Research

        Can-do: Teen-age girls who feel confident about their physical abilities enjoy exercise more than girls who go into the activity doubting their skills, says a new study in the March issue of Nursing Research.                Girls who aren't confident that they can complete a certain activity, such as running a certain distance, are likely to become discouraged during exertion and conclude they aren't up to the task. But confident girls interpret signs of exertion as a challenge they can overcome.

        “We think something is going in self-talk and that some girls are better at self-distraction,” said principal investigator Nola Pender, former associate dean at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

        Key findings of the study include:

        • Girls who are more confident in their physical activity skills report less exertion during exercise.

        • Girls who report less exertion during exercise are more confident in their future abilities.

        • Girls who successfully complete a demanding bout of physical activity report an increased confidence that they can be successful at future physical activities.

        Based on their findings, Michigan researchers are developing an interactive computer program aimed at increasing teen girls' confidence in their physical abilities.

        The study, which built on previous research, followed about 100 girls ages 8 to 17.

Shelf help

        Mood medicine: The Workout Therapy Workbook: Move Your Body, Tone Your Mood (New Harbinger; $17.95) by sports psychologist Kate F. Hays, looks at exercise as a cure for stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional ailments, not to mention little things like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

Calendar

        For kids: Registration for Jewish Community Center spring programs is under way through Sunday. Classes begin the week of April 14 and include baseball, soccer, girls' volleyball, tennis, ice skating, hip-hop dancing and music and motion for little ones. Registration: 761-7500, ext. 239.

        Spring training: Baseball is the focus of this year's Southeastern Indiana Sports Medicine Symposium April 13 at Lawrenceburg High School gymnasium. Players will get tips on improving their pitching, and coaches and athletes will get information on team conditioning. Information and registration: Rick Watson or Bill Blackburn at (812) 537-8144. Preregistration is suggested.

        Sign up: Registration is open for the American Diabetes Association's Cincinnati Corporate Championship 5K run/walk April 27 at Sharon Woods Park in Sharonville. The event starts at 9 a.m. Cost: $15 per person. Registration: (888) 342-23847, Ext. 6662.

Siting

        On wheels: Cyclists can check out www.bikerides.com, which features route information on members' favorite bike rides across several U.S. states, as well as the United Kingdom, Russia and Australia. The site also includes a logbook to help members track their progress. Membership is free.

Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone: 768-8510; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: pofarrell@enquirer.com               

A piece of Cinergy at home
More Cinergy seat stories
Ask A Stupid Question
KIESEWETTER: Your chances to win $1 million? Clearly, not good
Get to it
Exercise experts debunk gym myths
Attitude first step toward fitness goals
Fit Bits
Letter raises tough questions
'Panic Room' locks up No. 1 spot
CMT reruns Glen Campbell's show
Chefs whip up successful fund-raiser