[Influence of physical activity on human health]. / Einfluss körperlicher Aktivität auf die menschliche Gesundheit.

The lack of physical activity -- frequently associated with malnutrition -- has led to a dramatic increase of so-called diseases of civilization in industrial nations. Hereby -- apart from the cardiovascular diseases -- in particular disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as the musculoskeletal system are included. Physical inactivity can be considered a proven risk factor for these diseases. Children and adolescents are increasingly affected. In the development of effective preventive strategies, the enhancement of physical/sportive activities in everyday life as well as with in the framework of systematic health-orientated training plays a central role. This is confirmed by an abundance of scientific studies indicating that regular physical activity has anenormous potential with regard to the physical and psychological health maintenance in all life phases. The underlying biological mechanisms are complex and affect almost all human organic systems. Yet, the health benefit is critically dependent upon the form, duration and intensity. Endurance-orientated activities such as walking, running, cycling etc. performed at a moderate intensity, exercised at least 2 days a week for a duration of 30-60 min, are recommended. This should be supplemented by moderate strength training comprising all relevant muscle groups. An early commencement of regular, continuous, lifelong physical activities is particularly effective and can be, thus, recommended from a health-orientated perspective.

Correlation between BMI, leisure habits and motor abilities in childhood (CHILT-project).

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing with its negative medical and psychosocial consequences. This paper examines the association between body mass index (BMI), motor abilities and leisure habits of 668 children within the CHILT (Children's Health InterventionaL Trial) project. METHOD: A total of 668 children (51.0% boys; 49.0% girls) and their parents were questioned on sport and leisure behaviour of the children. The anthropometric data were measured. Motor abilities were determined by a body gross motor development test for children (Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder; KTK) and a 6-min run. RESULTS: The children were 6.70 +/- 0.42 y old, 122.72 +/- 5.36 cm tall and weighed 24.47 +/- 4.59 kg, the average BMI was 16.17 +/- 2.27 kg/m2. KTK showed an average motor quotient (MQ) of 93.49 +/- 15.01, the 6-min run an average of 835.24 +/- 110.87 m. Both tests were inversely correlated with BMI (KTK and BMI r=-0.164 (P<0.001); 6-min run and BMI r=-0.201 (P<0.001)); the group of overweight/obese children showed poorer results than the normal/underweight ones, even after adjustment for gender and age (in each case P<0.001). Children with the greatest extent of exercise achieve the highest MQ (P=0.035). SUMMARY: Overweight/obesity is associated with a poorer body gross motor development and endurance performance. On the other hand, an active lifestyle is positively correlated with a better gross motor development in first-grade children. Therefore, to prevent the negative consequences of physical inactivity and overweight/obesity early intervention to support exercise and movement is recommended.

[Status of the elderly among gypsies]. / Zur Situation alter Menschen bei Zigeunern.

An overview of the relevant literature shows that on one side the chronological age is important in the frame of the social position of an old man or woman in a gypsy society, but much more important is the individual itself and its social situation. Only by reaching a very old age no old gypsy can reach an important position in his society.

[Adjustment and adaptation]. / Anpassung und Adaptation.

As in many other scientific disciplines, in gerontology adaptation is a central term. Yet it is not being used in a standardized way. This article describes the concepts and theoretical approaches which can be identified in Social Gerontology, together with their functions and the results of research.

[Leisure style of the aged: on the necessity and possibilities for an analysis of leisure time of the elderly]. / Freizeitstile im Alter: Uber die Notwendigkeit und Möglichkeiten einer Analyse der Freizeit Alterer.

A great deal remains to be done in the analysis of the elderly's leisure time. The recent discussions in leisure research on the integration of life style orientations into the analysis might be a suitable medium for integrating gerontology into this discussion also. A corresponding suggestion is made here, and definitions and methodological questions are discussed.