Role Of Physical Education On Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Middle School Children

Abstract

Daily physical education can help youth achieve physical activity levels that meet Healthy People 2010 recommendations. Although results are mixed, some studies show that level of physical activity, which may increase as a function of physical education enrollment, may be related to improved cardiorespiratory endurance. PURPOSE To determine the effect of physical education class enrollment on cardiorespiratory endurance in middle school children. METHODS Participants were 214 sixth-grade students randomly assigned to physical education during either first (S1) or second (S2) semesters. Cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test. Three assessments were completed on each participant: pretest (beginning of the school year), midpoint (middle of the school year), and posttest (end of the school year). Differences in cardiorespiratory endurance (PACER laps completed) were analyzed using a mixed model, repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS The table shows that overall, students achieved the greatest number of laps during the pretest (P < 0.03). Although students enrolled in physical education completed more laps at each test period, the difference was significant (P < 0.001) only during the pretest.Table 1: Pre, midpoint, and posttest cardiorespiratory fitness values (Mean+SD)CONCLUSION Scores on the PACER test were highest at the beginning of the first semester. The results may reflect elevated levels of physical activity during the summer. PACER scores tend to be lower during the school year suggesting that the benefit of elevated summer activity levels were not maintained. Enrollment in physical education did not appear to influence PACER scores. Supported by Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation of MI, NASPEM, and MSU College of Education.