Physical Activity

Physical Activity: Human Growth and Development describes the relationship of physical activity and the growth, development, and health of children. This book is composed of 14 chapters that focus on the research of biological and behavioral science that is related to the physical activity needs and problems of children and youth. The introductory chapters deal with the link between exercise and the growth and development of muscle tissue and bone and joint structures. The next chapters review the several factors affecting the working capacity of children and adolescents; body composition and exercise during growth and development; and the effect of physical activity of motor performance and skills. These topics are followed by discussions of the influence of age and sex on motor learning, as well as the hereditary factors concerning stability and change in motor abilities. A chapter examines the motor performance of mentally retarded children. The final chapters discuss the significance of psychosocial development and the process of socialization in the growth and development of children and youth. This book is of great value to physicians, graduate students, and researchers who are in the fields of growth and development and exercise physiology.