CHRIS RIDDOCH is Head of the Institute for Sport & Exercise at Middlesex University, UK. His research interests include exercise prescription, cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and effectiveness of physical activity promotion schemes in primary care.JIM McKENNA is based at the Exercise and Health Research Unit, University of Bristol, where he is a Lecturer in the unit. His research interests include exercise prescription, cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and effectiveness of physical activity promotion schemes in primary care.

• Introduction; C.Riddoch and J.McKennaSECTION1: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A LIFECOURSE PERSPECTIVEPhysical Activity and health through the Lifespan; C.Boreham and C.RiddochSECTION 2: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH RELATIONSHIPSEpidemiology of Activity and Physical Health; R.W.Jakes and N.J.WarehamPhysical Activity and Mental Health; D.Carless and G.FaulknerObjective Measurements of Physical Activity;A.CopperRisks of Physical Activity;W.van MechelenSECTION 3: PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITYInactivity, A Problem Waiting to be Solved; N.Mutrie and C.WoodsThe Role of Primary Care; A.TaylorPromoting Physical Activity through Schools; K.Fox and J.HarrisThe Environment: The Greatest Barrier?; J.Kerr, F.Ewes and D.CarrollSECTION 4: THE BIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITYBiological Aspects of Physical Activity and Health; A.Vivu and M.HarroBibliographyIndex.