Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run and Body Mass Index Among an Ethnically Diverse Sample of 10–15-Year-Olds

Abstract

This study examined the cardiovascular fitness (CVF, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER], number of laps completed) and the prevalence of at risk of overweight (AR) and overweight (OW) among 10–15-year-olds (48% girls) from the following ethnic backgrounds: African American (n= 2,604), Asian-Pacific Islander (n = 3,888), Hispanic (n = 11,680); and White non-Hispanic (n = 16,352). Hierarchal multiple linear regression analysis, controlling for height and weight, with White non-Hispanics serving as the comparison group, revealed a limited number of significant differences among PACER performances, with no values exceeding ±4.43 laps. Odds ratios (OR) for being classified as AR or OW were significantly greater (p < .01) in African American (OR = 1.25, 1.65) and Hispanic (OR = 2.33, 2.28) boys and girls, respectively, and Asian boys (OR = 1.43). The results of this cross-sectional analysis indicated negligible differences in CVF among ethnic groups, while AR and OW were consistent with previous reports for ethnic populations.