Achievement of FITNESSGRAM Healthy Fitness Zone in 1st to 4th Grade Students in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Physical fitness provides important health benefits and can enhance the quality of life for children and adults. Criterion reference standards have been established for the health-related fitness components, but achievement of healthy fitness zone (HFZ) standards in elementary school children in Puerto Rico have not been reported. PURPOSE: To assess FITNESSGRAM HFZ achievement in 1st to 4th grade children in Puerto Rico. METHODS: 129 participants (69 boys and 60 girls, 6.4 ± .56 years of age) recruited from two schools in San Juan, completed the FITNESSGRAM fitness assessment protocol yearly in their 1st to 4th grade (gr). Achievement was defined as being in the HFZ on: at least 2 of the 3 strength and endurance assessments (90 degree push-up, curl-up, and trunk lift), both flexibility assessments (back-saver sit and reach and shoulder stretch), both body composition assessments (BMI and % body fat) and the 20-m PACER cardiorespiratory test. The frequencies (f) and percentages (%) of children from 1st to 4th grade achieving the HFZ in each fitness component was determined. Chi-squares were used to detect differences in HFZ achievement by grade. RESULTS:Table 1: Achievement of HFZ in health-related fitness components by grade (f and %).Significant difference between *2nd and 3rd gr (p=.042), †2nd and 4th gr (p<.05) and **1st and 4th gr (p=.006). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of 1st to 4th grade children in Puerto Rico achieved and maintained HFZ criterion standards in muscular strength and endurance, and in flexibility. The decrement in healthy body composition achievement is a concern that should be addressed to prevent future adverse health consequences. Funded by the University of PR - FIPI Institutional Grant