Bulletin Number Two 1982

Research Project on Physical Act ivi t ies and Qual i ty of L i fe i n Densely Populated Areas The Chinese University and the University of Michigan jointly launched a research project on Physical Activities and Quality of Life in Densely Populated Urban Areas in August 1980. The project, which aims at examining the effects of physical activities on stress reduction, health, productivity, and quality of life in an urban environment, is likely to have far- reaching consequences in the study of urban living. Hong Kong Chosen for Study Urbanization and accompanying urban changes such as crowded living conditions, energy depletion, heavy traffic and toxic environment have produced high levels of stress detrimental to human health. The incapability to adapt to these changes results in increased rates of chronic diseases, emotional disorders, and mental breakdowns. The result of maladaptation to a lesser extent is a lower level of working efficiency and life enjoyment. Therefore, the attainment of a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being is a crucial problem of urban living. And the reason why Hong Kong has been chosen for study is obvious. First, Hong Kong is one of the most congested areas in the world, undergoing rapid urban changes during the last two decades. Secondly, it is a place where the values and traditions of the East and West meet and interact. Research into how Hong Kong has coped with these problems could be of use, therefore, not only to other cities with similar experience, but also to those who are exploring ways of adjusting to urban changes in places where two cultures meet. The Project Directors are Professor Cho-Yee To of this University and Professor D.W. Edington of the University of Michigan. The two universities have joined forces to design, coordinate and conduct a series of studies under the project. Staff members of this University's Physical Education Unit, Health Service, Faculties of Medicine and Social Science and School of Education have been working in close cooperation with researchers from the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic, the Education Department, the Recreation and Sports Service, and the Jubilee Sports Centre. Three Phases The project, expected to be completed by 1987, is divided into three phases, each of which has clearly defined objectives: Phase I: 1980-1981 1. to provide profiles of physical fitness of Hong Kong students at different age levels; 2. to identify a relationship between physical fitness and academic performance; 3. to show how interest in physical education and positive attitudes towards it might be developed among students so that they will continue activities which will maintain their physical fitness after leaving school; 4. to develop a theoretical model to explain the relationships between physical fitness, mental health, the ability to deal with problems arising from the stress of urban life, performance and output, and the quality of life of school children; Phase II: 1981-1984 5. to provide analytical charts showing the physiological effects of the unique types of physical activities specific to urban areas; 6 to develop a theoretical model to explain the relationships between physical fitness, mental 20 ACADEMIC/CULTURAL EVENTS