Six-year changes in body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness of English schoolchildren from an affluent area

Abstract

ABSTRACT. 23 24We compared values of BMI and cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle-run test) of n=157 boys and 25 n=150 girls aged 10-11 measured in 2014 with measures from 2008 and 1998. Boys' fitness was 26 lower (d=0.68) in 2014 than 2008, despite a small (d=0.37) decline in BMI. Girl's BMI changed 27 trivially (d=0.08) but cardiorespiratory fitness was lower (d=0.47) lower in 2014 than 2008. 28 This study suggests fitness is declining at 0.95% per year, which exceeds the 0.8% rate of decline we 29 reported between 1998 and 2008 and double the global average of 0.43%. Declines in fitness were 30 independent of changes in BMI suggesting continued reductions English children's habitual physical 31 activity levels. 32

Is Olympic inspiration associated with fitness and physical activity in English schoolchildren? A repeated cross-sectional comparison before and 18 months after London 2012

“…Compared with children attending the same schools 5 years earlier, was 2 mL/kg/min lower in boys and girls assessed in 2013–2014 (post-2012). This difference was statistically and clinically significant and is in agreement with reported declines in the cardiorespiratory fitness of children from this region 24. Girls’ was lower across all post-2012 groups.…”

The Influence of Previous Injury History on Health and Fitness Outcomes in Junior High School Students

“…[6][7][8] Despite these favourable physical activity (PA) participation trends, there has been a decline in physical fitness levels in children and youth over the past few decades. 9,10 This likely contributes to the increase in overweight and obesity over the same time period; however, this trend has been slowly declining in the past decade, while physical fitness levels are still decreasing. 10 Children and youth who discontinue PA participation after sustaining an injury may be at greater risk of attributing an unhealthy body composition and low physical fitness levels.…”

“…9,10 This likely contributes to the increase in overweight and obesity over the same time period; however, this trend has been slowly declining in the past decade, while physical fitness levels are still decreasing. 10 Children and youth who discontinue PA participation after sustaining an injury may be at greater risk of attributing an unhealthy body composition and low physical fitness levels. 11,12 Obesity and low physical fitness have been associated with metabolic disorders in adulthood; however, the development of these negative health consequences has been identified at earlier ages.…”

“…[6][7][8] Despite these high participation rates, there has been a substantial decline in physical fitness levels and higher overweight and obesity rates in children and youth when compared to the 1970's. 9,10 These trends are associated with negative long term health consequences, including the development of metabolic disorders that have previously been identified as long term negative health outcomes in adults. 13 The primary analyses from this study demonstrated associations between previous injury and BMI and between previous injury and left foot balance times.…”

“…34 Evidence to support weight maintenance and prevention of chronic diseases through PA participation is well represented in the literature. 10,[35][36][37] The Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth reported that most jurisdictions in Canada are making PA a public health priority. 29 As such, 83% of Canadian schools have mandated daily recess, 95% of students have access to a gymnasium, and 91% have access to an outdoor playing field.…”