Physical fitness is generally considered to be “the ability to perform daily tasks without fatigue.” Definition of physical fitness is given differently by different people. It is defined as the ability to meet life’s demand and still have enough energy to respond to unplanned events. Physical fitness includes cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, coordination, and speed. Evidence-based research indicates that physical fitness is a powerful marker of health in children and adolescents. In particular, cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength have been found to be positively associated with markers of health in children and adolescents. It has been seen that a high level of physical fitness in childhood and adolescence is related to better health-related outcomes, which are concerned with present and future risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, skeletal health and mental health. In a study done in South Africa where the author has done physical fitness test among school children from both rural and urban area and found a high prevalence of low fitness among children from the urban school aged 12 years (63.9%), 6 years (63.2%), and 11 years (60%) in contrast to the the prevalence of low fitness among rural based learners aged 12, 6, and 11 years equalled 18.9%, 39.3%, and 20% respectively.The finding suggests that sedentary lifestyle in urban population may cluster around the period that a child approaches the adolescent stage of life as adolescents are more likely to spend much time with social media devices. As such the assessment of physical fitness using a specific tool has become an important part to find out the fitness level of children and adolescence. There were several fitness test batteries for the assessment of physical fitness in children and their reliability and validity has been established by different author in accordance to different geographical area. The appropriate fitness test that promoted exercise and fitness was still under examination. In response to this, a study concluded that any fitness test which promotes enjoyment and motivation to do physical activity should be accepted and encouraged. Such a fitness test is Fitness gram. Through the years research has shown that Fitness gram has become one of the most widely used programs in the United States, though its use in India is not popular.
Author(s) Details:
Pranjal Gogoi
Department of Physiotherapy, Downtown Hospital ltd, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Nirmal C. Bhattacharyya
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Also See : Low Birth Weight : A Part from the Book Chapter : Preterm Birth: When is it Too Small to be Born
Recent Global Research Developments in Importance of Physical Fitness Assessment in Children and Adolescents: Insights and Challenges
Field-Based Health-Related Physical Fitness Tests:
- A systematic review published in Frontiers in Pediatrics explored field-based physical fitness tests applicable in school settings [1]. It identified 24 physical fitness batteries, with components like cardiorespiratory fitness, upper body strength, middle-body strength, agility, and body composition.
Trends in Physical Fitness:
- Another systematic review analyzed the international evolution of fitness among school-aged children and adolescents [2]. It examined changes in performance on physical fitness tests over time.
Evolution of Physical Fitness Levels:
- A study assessed the evolution of physical fitness levels in children and adolescents (ages 9-14) related to weight status. It provides evidence-based guidance for physical education teachers [3].
Field-Based Tests for Sport-Practicing Youth:
- A systematic review within the ESA Program explored field-based tests for assessing physical fitness in children and adolescents who practice sports [4].
Comprehensive Insights:
- These studies collectively contribute to our understanding of physical fitness assessment, emphasizing the need for standardization and consensus in school settings. Monitoring fitness is crucial for overall health and academic achievements.
References
- Marques A, Henriques-Neto D, Peralta M, Martins J, Gomes F, Popovic S, Masanovic B, Demetriou Y, Schlund A and Ihle A (2021) Field-Based Health-Related Physical Fitness Tests in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Front. Pediatr. 9:640028. doi: 10.3389/fped.2021.640028
- Masanovic B, Gardasevic J, Marques A, Peralta M, Demetriou Y, Sturm DJ and Popovic S (2020) Trends in Physical Fitness Among School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Front. Pediatr. 8:627529. doi: 10.3389/fped.2020.627529
- Colella, D., & Monacis, D. (2021). Assessing the Evolution of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents for Evidence-Based Teaching. Advances in Physical Education, 11(2), 183-194.
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