Italian Physical Fitness Decline: A True Fact or a Mindset? A 10-Year Observational Perspective Study.

Nicola Lovecchio,Matteo Vandoni,Matteo Giuriato,Vittoria Carnevale Pellino,Roberto Codella,Francesca Valarani

doi:10.3390/ijerph17218008

Abstract

Evidence regarding a putative physical fitness decline remains less well documented for Italian children and adolescents. An update review of data collection articles was undertaken concerning motor performances (power, strength, speed-agility and indirect cardiorespiratory fitness) of children and adolescents worldwide and compared with 2859 11–12-year-old Italian students of both sexes, throughout a ten-year observational period. Lower limb explosive strength (standing broad jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach), endurance (Cooper) and speed (SP-30) performances of sixth grade Italian students showed nearly stable trends, with no differences during the observed decade, in both sexes. This 10-year perspective study confirmed that Italian physical fitness levels flatlined rather than actually declined. According to these study data, the decline in physical fitness of the Italian youth is ostensible and needs a further in-depth analysis.

Highlights

A recession in physical fitness levels of young generations has been described as a consequence of growing industrialization [1] and has been hyped by mass media [2]
The authors reckon that the decline in physical fitness of the Italian youth is ostensible
It seems that performances in functional capacity still maintained in this decade

Summary

Introduction

A recession in physical fitness levels of young generations has been described as a consequence of growing industrialization [1] and has been hyped by mass media [2]. Several factors affect adherence to physical activity, such as socio-economic status [9], growth phases [10], urban/rural context [11], availability of facilities [1] and parents’ cultural habits [12]. These result in the reduction of spontaneous motion and energy expenditure, contributing to the alarming increase of pediatric overweight and obesity [13]. A variety of studies showed critical decline in physical fitness levels of young populations over the years [12]. Tomkinson et al [12] reported a decrease in aerobic capacity in developmental age (from 6 to 19 years) over 45 years (1958–2003)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion