Effect Of New Equipment And Technology On Physical Fitness Scores In Adolescents

Abstract

The growing obesity and health risk of American youth demands new PE curriculums that use effective strategies to improve fitness, health, and teach lifelong disease prevention strategies. The New PE movement introduces technology into the classroom to better teach the connection between physical activity and physiological consequences along with modern workout equipment, commonly used by adults, to train youth in lifelong fitness techniques. The merit of this approach to PE has not been evaluated. PURPOSE Does purchasing and incorporating new fitness equipment and technologies into a high school physical education program improve physical fitness test scores over two years? METHODS Fitness-assessment software, cardiovascular exercise equipment, resistance training equipment, and heart-rate monitors were provided to a high school PE program in fall 2002. Pre-test President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports scores on one-minute curl-ups (n = 471), shuttle run (n = 458), pull-ups (n = 275), sit and reach (n = 477) and the mile run (n = 370) were collected for all high school students at the beginning of school in fall 2002 and compared to the same student's scores at the end of the year in spring 2004. Comparisons were made to identify improvements in each student's fitness ranking, mean change in scores, and mean percent changes during the two-year span. Student pre-post test score comparisons were made using a t-test with repeated measures. RESULTS From pre- to post-test, curl-ups increased 9.0%, shuttle run time decreased 0.2%, sit and reach increased 5.9%, mile run decreased 0.1% and pull-ups increased 42.0%. Of the five tests, curl-up and shuttle run were found to be significantly different. However, mean score differences between pre- and post-test indicated that all scores improved. CONCLUSIONS Though improvement occurred for all tests, changes for the two years were not large and may have reflected physical maturation. The increased activities and opportunities provided by new equipment and technology do not automatically enhance student fitness. Teacher training in the use of sophisticated equipment, technology, and teaching of health and fitness principles is necessary for educators to fully utilize these technological advances to effectively educate students. Funded by IL Office of Attorney General, Vitamin Anti-Trust Settlement and IAPHERD Jump Rope for Heart Program.