Although evidence indicates that muscular fitness is foundational for ongoing participation in
active play, exercise and sport, current national and international youth physical activity …

Today's youth are weaker than previous generations, and measurable reductions in physical
fitness are beginning to emerge. Without targeted initiatives that recognize the foundational …

Context: Many coaches, parents, and children believe that the best way to develop elite
athletes is for them to participate in only 1 sport from an early age and to play it year-round …

There is strong evidence to support the benefits of regular physical activity for children and
adolescents (heretofore referred to as “youth”). Evidence includes improved …

Regular participation in organized youth sports does not ensure adequate exposure to skill-
and health-related fitness activities, and sport training without preparatory conditioning does …

Abroad range of researchers and profes-sionals acknowledge that optimal health during
childhood and adolescence requires a high level of physical activity. The health benefits of …

Background: Sport has been identified as one of the 7 best investments for increasing
physical activity levels across the life span. Several questions remain on how to effectively …

Review of the current data in the area of youth fitness reveals some alarming trends.
Children in the United States are fatter, slower, and weaker than their counterparts in other …

BACKGROUND: National physical activity guidelines have been developed for Americans.
Interest lies in the relationship between meeting the national physical activity guidelines and …

Background Physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been identified as an
important determinant of current and future health status. While research has traditionally …