Deconditioning and Physical Fitness: Implications for Healthy School-Aged Children | Chapter 2 | Medical Science: Trends and Innovations Vol. 6

Background: Physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behaviors (SB) are significant contributors to various health-related risks and the development of chronic diseases. With the rise of technology and screen time, children are spending increasingly more time engaged in sedentary activities, leading to a decline in physical fitness levels.

Methodology: This observational study aimed to assess the physical fitness levels of 119 schoolchildren aged 11-16 years. The children were randomly selected and underwent baseline assessments followed by a battery of physical fitness tests.

Results: The results showed significant reductions in fitness levels when compared to age-matched peer groups. Gender differences were observed, with girls performing better in flexibility tests, while boys excelled in muscular endurance and core strength tests. Overall, both boys and girls demonstrated lower fitness levels than expected for their age group (P-value is less than 0.05).

Discussion: These findings highlight the negative impact of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior on children's health. The study suggests a need for schools to integrate regular physical activity sessions into their daily schedules to improve physical fitness.

Conclusion: Emphasizing physical education and activity can help children develop healthier habits and combat the growing issue of reduced physical fitness in the school-age population.

 

Author (s) Details

Dhwani Chanpura
College of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed-to-be-University, Piparia, Waghodia Road, Vadodara, Gujarat, 391760, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msti/v6/4194

Body Mass Index and Cardiovascular Fitness in Children | Chapter 02 | Emerging Trends in Disease and Health Research Vol. 7

 The goal of the study is to determine the impact of BMI on children's cardio-respiratory fitness. Cardiopulmonary fitness is especially important in children. This is something that a lot of parents aren't aware of. Children are more likely to have poor cardiac fitness since they are not allowed to play outside due to safety concerns and overprotection. This is a cross-sectional study that included 60 healthy youngsters aged 8 to 12. All of the samples are collected in a timely manner and divided into three groups based on their BMI rate (normal, overweight, and obese). Participants who were taking any drugs, had a history of neuromuscular or cardiac disease or injuries, or had any physical limitations were excluded from the study. After explaining the six-minute walk test to the samples, they were required to do it. The distance covered during the six-minute walk test was measured, and the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was calculated using the Cahaline formula. The acquired data is analysed and compared using the KRUSKAL WALLIS test. 0.00001 (P0.05) was the p value. The mean value of group A is higher than the mean value of the other two groups. Children with a normal BMI have superior cardiopulmonary fitness than children who are overweight or obese, according to research.

Author(S) Details

V. Velkumar
Department of Physiotherapy, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), India.

S. Godcil
Department of Physiotherapy, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), India.

E. Shanmugananth
Department of Physiotherapy, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), India.

T. Charumathi
Department of Physiotherapy, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), India.

S. Senthil
Department of Physiotherapy, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), India.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/ETDHR-V7/article/view/6589