Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to establish sex and age-specific muscular fitness (MF) norms for Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–18 years old. The secondary aim was to compare their MF values with those of children and adolescents in other countries and regions. The MF of 93,755 participants from China was evaluated by handgrip strength (upper limbs strength), sit-ups (trunk strength) and a standing broad jump (lower limbs strength), with a total of 90,424, 90,281 and 90,663 data values, respectively. The Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method was used to calculate smooth curves and table data. The MF of Chinese boys was higher than that of girls in all age groups. After the age of 11, the growth rate of boys accelerated while that of girls slowed down. Age-related changes were larger for boys than for girls. In the international comparison, all the MF indicators of Chinese children and adolescents were lower than those of their Japanese peers but were higher than those of their European peers, with the exception of handgrip strength. The results of this study can be used to evaluate, monitor and apply interventions that improve MF. They can also be used to compare trends across countries and regions.
Highlights
Muscular fitness (MF) is commonly used to represent muscular strength, endurance and power [1]
Based on the MF data of 93,755 children and adolescents, this study developed the most representative sex and age-specific MF normative values for 7–18-year-old children and adolescents in China, which can be used for the evaluation, monitoring and intervention of MF
This study is the first to provide sex and age-specific normative values for Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–18 years that can be used for the evaluation, monitoring, and intervention of MF
Summary
Muscular fitness (MF) is commonly used to represent muscular strength, endurance and power [1]. A strong skeletal muscle system can ensure effective physical activity for children and adolescents and reduce their susceptibility to sports injuries [3]. Given the importance of MF, the global physical activity guidelines clearly state that children and adolescents should perform high-intensity physical activities at least 3 days a week to increase muscle and bone strength [8]. MF has received widespread attention, it continues to decline among children and adolescents worldwide [10,11,12,13,14]. The decrease of physical activity and the increase of overweight and obesity may be important reasons for the continuous decline of MF, which has a significant impact on the sustainability of the health of children and adolescents [1]
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