The Modern Era: Blossoming of the Olympic Movement and the Conquest of Acute Disease

Abstract

During the Modern Era, a growing range of effective treatments for acute disease and improved conditions at work and at home led to a substantial reduction of mortality, particularly in childhood and early adult life. But at the same time, a progressive reduction in habitual physical activity was associated with an increased premature mortality from chronic disease. Exercise Scientists focussed their research on how body systems were affected by vigorous physical activity, both in comfortable and in challenging environments. New methods of counting leukocytes prompted an exploration of exercise and immune function. There was also a growing understanding of the effects of physical activity upon cardiac health. Physical educators still relied upon simple field tests of fitness, but exercise physiologists began to develop objective and standardized laboratory measures of physical function. Politicians showed a wide range of attitudes towards health and fitness, but a number of authors and philosophers fostered greater social support for the poorer members of society. Most countries moved towards universal state-sponsored health care. Physical Education changed little in the Western democracies, but new totalitarian regimes saw fitness programming as one more tool in population control and maximization of military preparedness. During the 1950s, field tests suggested that American children were less fit than their European counterparts, and this spurred development of the President’s Council on Fitness. Athletic competitions were marked by a progressive improvement in records, and acceptance of participation by women and special populations. However, negative aspects included politicization and blatant doping. New comprehensive textbooks and professional associations fostered a comprehensive understanding of Sports Science. Paid holidays provided added leisure, with various team games, roller skating, ballroom dancing, indoor swimming, visits to National and Provincial Parks, mountaineering, orienteering, and Youth Hostelling offering new forms of vigorous physical activity. However, the advent of radio, television, movie theatres and ever-larger stadia encouraged many to an ever more sedentary lifestyle.