Fitness Testing In Children Research Articles

From a testing system to a system for monitoring the level of physical fitness: tasks and functions of assessing the physical fitness of children and youth at the national level

Regular monitoring of physical fitness indicators in youth is critical. Objective. To explore expert perspectives on the main tasks and functions of the physical fitness assessment system for schoolchildren and students. Methodology. A survey of experts (n=17) from six regions of Ukraine was conducted. The questionnaire included open-ended and closed questions addressing the specifics of physical fitness testing in children and youth, as well as opportunities for its improvement, particularly regarding the primary tasks of testing. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Results. Experts identified five main problem areas that the physical fitness assessment system should address. Monitoring the dynamics of physical fitness in Ukrainian children and youth. Collecting data to form conclusions and recommendations. Assisting educators in implementing physical education goals in educational institutions. Providing opportunities for children to realize their potential. Encouraging children and youth to pursue further self-improvement, identified as the most important task. Some responses highlighted the role and significance of testing as part of a system for observing parameters related to health and quality of life, including monitoring physical fitness levels, motor activity, health, and the development of sports talent in students. Experts emphasized the importance of a testing system in addressing health preservation, wellness, and educational goals within physical education. Conclusions. The tasks addressed by the youth physical fitness testing system partially meet the needs of the educational sector, particularly in physical education. Considering current demands, it is appropriate to deepen the understanding of fitness assessment as a multifaceted phenomenon closely linked to health and influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. This requires the development of a comprehensive monitoring system for physical fitness and the engagement of specialists in discussions of this concept.

Genetic Regulation of Physical Fitness in Children: A Twin Study of 15 Tests from Eurofit and Fitnessgram Test Batteries.

This study aimed to analyze the shared genetic background of physical fitness tests in children. Physical fitness was assessed in 198 Portuguese twin pairs (6-18 yr old, 40% monozygotic) through 15 tests from the Eurofit and Fitnessgram test batteries. Genetic twin modeling was used to estimate the heritability of each test and the genetic correlations between them. Girls performed better than boys in flexibility, whereas boys performed better than girls in cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength. No sex differences were found in the influence of genetic factors on the physical fitness tests or their mutual correlations. Genetic factors explained 52% (standing long jump) to 79% (sit and reach) of the individual variation in motor performance, whereas individual-specific environmental factors explained the remaining variation. Most of the tests showed modest to moderate genetic correlations. Out of all 105 genetic correlations, 65% ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 indicating that they shared from 4% to 36% of genetic variation. The correlations between individual-specific environmental factors were mostly negligible. Tests measuring the strength of different muscle groups showed only modest correlations, but moderate correlations were found between tests measuring explosive strength, running speed/agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Genetic factors explained a major portion of the variation in tests included in the Eurofit and Fitnessgram test batteries and explained the correlations between them. The modest to moderate genetic correlations indicated that there is little redundancy of tests in either Eurofit or Fitnessgram test batteries.

Reliability of Fitness Assessments in Children With Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties.

Examine the reliability of field-based fitness assessments in school-aged children with emotional or behavioral difficulties (EBD). Understanding the impact of fitness on physical activity participation for children with EBD is limited by our ability to reliably measure it. Fifteen children aged 7-12years with EBD completed 7 assessments-standing broad jump, overhead throw, grip strength, isometric plank hold, isometric wall squat, unilateral heel raise, and modified 6-minute walk test-in a random order on 2 separate occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to evaluate reliability. ICCs ranged from .65 to .99 representing moderate to excellent reliability for all assessments. Shorter assessments requiring less attention and behavior regulation tended to demonstrate higher ICC values while assessments with greater attention or behavioral regulation demands tended to have lower ICC values. Results demonstrate varied reliability for fitness tests in children with EBD. Practitioners can use grip strength and standing broad jump assessments with confidence. Other assessments have good reliability but greater variability indicating they may be a challenge for some children with EBD.

Reliability of Selected Health-Related Fitness Tests for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Aim: To quantify test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change for 90 and 95% confidence levels (90MDC, 95MDC) for health-related fitness tests in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Methods: Lower limb muscle strength [hand-held dynamometry (HHD), unilateral heel rise test (UHRT), standing broad jump (SBJ)], muscle endurance [Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST)] and cardiorespiratory endurance [20-metre Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT)] were evaluated twice (2–7 day interval) in 31 children with DCD (20 males, 9.4 years old ± 2.0). Results: Test-retest reliability was reported as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2, 1) 95% confidence interval lower bounds. Values were excellent for MPST (peak and mean power: 0.93, 0.95), good for HHD (0.81–0.88), SBJ (0.82), and the 20mSRT (0.87) and moderate for UHRT (0.74). For HHD, the 90MDC and 95MDC were the largest for hip extensors (14.47, 12.14 Nm) and the smallest for ankle dorsiflexors (1.55, 1.30 Nm). For UHRT, SBJ, MPST and the 20mSRT, these MDC values were 11.90, 9.98 repetitions; 25.49, 21.38 cm; 4.70, 3.94 W (mean power), and 6.45, 5.42 W (peak power) and 0.87, 0.73 (number of stages), respectively. Conclusion: These tests yield reliable test-retest results that can be used to evaluate fitness changes in this group.

Feasibility and Reliability of Health-Related Physical Fitness Tests in Children and Adolescents with Hearing Impairment

Although research supports the feasibility and reliability of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) tests in typically developing children and adolescents, little is known regarding the feasibility and reliability of these tests for those with hearing impairments (HI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a HRPF test battery for children and adolescents with HI. A test-retest design with a one-week interval was conducted with 26 participants with HI (mean age: 12.7 ± 2.8 years; 9 male). The feasibility and reliability of seven field-based HRPF tests (i.e., body mass index, grip strength, standing long jump, vital capacity, long distance run, sit-and-reach, one leg stand) were evaluated. All the tests showed high feasibility (completion rate > 90%). Six tests indicated good to excellent test-retest reliability (all intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.75) while the one leg stand test showed poor reliability (ICC = 0.36). Relatively large percentages of standard error of measurement (SEM%) and minimal detectable change (MDC%) were observed in the sit-and-reach test (SEM% = 52.4%, MDC% = 145.2%) and one leg stand test (SEM% = 107.9%, MDC% = 299.2%), whereas the rest of the tests demonstrated reasonable SEM% and MDC% values. Collectively, most of the tests can be feasibly and reliably used to assess HRPF for children and adolescents with HI.

Feasibility and Reliability of Tests Measuring Health-Related Physical Fitness in Children With Moderate to Severe Levels of Intellectual Disability.

Physical fitness is an important marker for health. In this study we investigated the feasibility and reliability of health-related physical fitness tests in children with moderate to severe levels of intellectual disability. Thirty-nine children (2-18 yrs) performed tests for muscular strength and endurance, the modified 6-minute walk test (6mwt) for cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition tests, and 30-97% of the tests were successfully completed. Short-term test-retest reliability of all tests was good (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] > .8), long-term test-retest reliability was good for most tests (ICC > .7), but low ICCs were found for most strength tests. Measuring body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness is feasible and reliable. Measuring muscle endurance is fairly feasible and reliable.

The association between depressive symptoms and physical status including physical activity, aerobic and muscular fitness tests in children.

The aims of the study were to explore the association between depressive symptoms (DS), physical activity (PA), aerobic and muscular fitness in a sample of children. Four hundred and fifty-six schoolboys aged 7-11-year-old underwent standard anthropometry and various physical fitness tests (e.g., aerobic fitness, strength, speed, power, agility and flexibility). DS and PA were obtained by questionnaires. After adjustment for potential confounders (e.g., age, socioeconomic status and adiposity), PA was significantly and negatively related to DS (P < 0.05). Among the physical fitness tests, just time in one-mile run/walk was significantly related to DS (P < 0.05). Physical activity and aerobic fitness were significantly correlated with DS; however, no significant relationship was observed between DS and the muscular fitness tests in the children.

Top 10 Research Questions Related to Musculoskeletal Physical Fitness Testing in Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this article is to bring attention to the 10 most pressing questions relevant to musculoskeletal physical fitness testing in children and adolescents. The goal is to stimulate research to answer these questions. The most pressing needs include establishing definitive links between valid, reliable, and feasible field test measures of muscular strength, endurance, power, and flexibility and health risk factors/markers in children and adolescents; determining the effects of exercise training on these relationships; and documenting the tracking of these relationships. The role of flexibility in health-related physical fitness (HRPF) needs to be carefully and specifically examined. Although body weight/composition is a separate component of health-related fitness, it is also a factor that can influence the performance of musculoskeletal test items. The role of body weight, body fat, and central adiposity and the possibility of adjustment of tests results are important research questions. Several questions relate to which field tests are best for use in schools. Finally, actual health-related criterion-referenced cutoff values need to be developed. In conclusion, more quality research is needed to firmly establish the musculoskeletal area for HRPF in youth.

Feasibility of Fitness Testing in Children Treated for Suprapituitary Brain Tumors: A Pilot Study

Children with suprapituitary brain tumors often become obese after surgical intervention and consecutive therapy. Although physical training was recently advocated in these patients, there is a lack of data regarding the feasibility of both exercise testing and exercise capacity of these patients. Four children surgically and pharmacologically treated for suprapituitary brain tumors were tested for body composition, muscle strength, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during exercise. All patients completed the fitness testing with no adverse events. A high adiposity, lower muscle strength, and maximal exercise capacity were found in all 4 patients. VO2peak, VO2peak/kg and the VT were on average 58%, 57%, and 40% of predicted values respectively. This pilot study of 4 patients treated for a suprapituitary brain tumor found that standard fitness testing was feasible in these patients. The results indicated a marked reduction in exercise capacity and muscle strength, and increased levels of body fat in these patients. These observations suggest the need for inclusion of fitness assessments in the long-term follow-up of these children.

Is the Presidentʼs Challenge a Valid Test of Fitness in Children Ages 10-14?

Childhood obesity is increasingly becoming a public health concern. The CDC has reported that approximately 25% of children in the United States are overweight and 11% are obese. Increasing childhood fitness is one way in which childhood obesity can be conquered and fitness testing is currently used to determine physical fitness levels in children. However, the validity of physical fitness testing in children has been immersed in controversy for over 30 years. PURPOSE: To determine if the President's Challenge is a valid predictor of physical fitness in children between 10 and 14 years of age. METHODS: Twenty three subjects, between the ages of 10 and 14, completed two fitness testing protocols. Protocol one was the President's Challenge and protocol two was developed by the researchers at the University ofEvansville (UE) entitled the UE Protocol. The President's Challenge consisted of a one-mile endurance run/walk, a shuttle run, curl-ups, pull-ups, and a sit and reach test. The UE Protocol consisted of measuring VO2 peak with a metabolic cart, using the Bruininks-Oseretsky protocol subtest 1, abdominal strength test using a Lafayette Manual Muscle Test System (MMT), pull-down test using a Base Line hydraulic push-pull dynamometer, Modified-Modified Schober Technique, and a 90/90 Test for hamstring flexibility. An intraclass correlation coefficient model (3, 1) was performed to analyze data. RESULTS: The ICC(3,1) between the President's Challenge shuttle run and the Bruininks-Oseretsky protocol subtest 1 was found to be 0.728. The ICC(3,1) between the Sit & Reach and the Modified-Modified Schober Technique was found to be 0.020. The ICC(3,1) between the Sit & Reach and both hamstring flexibility tests was found to be −0.107. The ICC(3,1) between the four tests was found to be −0.075. The ICC(3,1) between pull-ups and the pull-down test was found to be 0.117. The ICC(3,1) between curl-ups and the abdominal strength test was found to be 0.305. CONCLUSION: The components of the President's Challenge were not found to be a valid means of testing physical fitness in children ages 10–14.

Status of Field-Based Fitness Testing in Children and Youth

This paper describes the history of youth fitness testing in the United States and the different fitness test batteries that are currently available. Validity and reliability of test items are reviewed and a description of how test results are interpreted is presented. Fitness testing for children and youth has undergone many changes over the past 3 decades. The tests used to as sess the different components of fitness have evolved from a performance model to a model that considers health-related outcomes. Test interpretation currently employs criterion-referenced standards in contrast to the norm-referenced system of evaluation. Although some of the individual test items lack empirical data to verify that the test items provide a reasonable estimate of the fitness parameter, there is consensus on the health-related fitness components: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Data are also lacking that directly link fitness level in youth to health as an adult. Despite these limitations, fitness testing is of value to the teacher, researcher, child, and caregiver. Test results may provide a measure of fitness level and identify areas that need improvement, results to be tracked over time, an indication of risk for developing certain chronic diseases, and a teaching tool for teachers and students in comprehensive fitness education programs.

Physical fitness testing in children operated on for tracheoesophageal fistula

The maximal physical activity capacity of children operated on for tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has not been clearly defined. Eight patients (average age, 12 years) successfully operated on for TEF at birth underwent maximal exercise stress testing on a treadmill, according to the Bruce protocol, to test physical work capacity. Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO 2), and pulmonary ventilation (VE) were measured by a portable lightweight telemetric device. Nine healthy children served as controls. Exercise duration was significantly lower for TEF subjects than for controls (11.6 ± 1.7 minutes v 15.1 ± 2.3 minutes; P < .01). Mean HR at rest and during exercise did not differ between the groups. All children reached the maximum HR according to their age; however, for the majority of TEF patients, this occurred at an earlier stage than in the controls. No differences were seen in mean VO 2 at rest and on exertion between TEF and control children. However, maximal VO 2, as measured at the end of exercise, was significantly different when normalized per kilogram of body weight (VO 2/kg = 52.3 ± 5.8 v 33.3 ± 6.6; P <.005). The physical rehabilitation of TEF children usually takes into account only respiratory and nutritional factors. However, complete assessment of their cardiac and respiratory function, at rest and on exertion, also should be performed, because this may show that some patients have reduced motor performance; evidence is now accumulating that these children can safely participate in the same physical activities of their healthy peers.

Fitness Testing in Children

Physical fitness testing has endured several evolutionary changes. The most recent trend is to use health-related rather than motor-performance test items. Physical fitness is currently described in terms of cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. The use of criterion-referenced standards that specify the acceptable level of fitness conducive to health has been proposed. Physical educators have begun to expand the scope of fitness testing, and recognize the need for programs that teach children the basic concepts of health and fitness and how to influence present and future health status through physical activity. The purpose of this paper is to present an historical account of youth fitness testing, provide insight into the attitudes, problems and controversies that have encompassed this subject, and demonstrate how these have influenced the rationale of the tests. Results illustrate current problem areas and provide useful data for future investigators.

Fitness Testing in Children: A Comparison Between PCPFS and AAHPERD Standards

Fitness Testing in Children: A Comparison Between PCPFS and AAHPERD Standards

Fitness Testing in Children: Where from Here?

Fitness Testing in Children: Where from Here?