Low Levels Of Physical Fitness Research Articles

Association between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Physical Fitness with Body Composition Parameters in 1717 European Adolescents: The AdolesHealth Study.

Obesity, low levels of physical fitness, and unhealthy eating patterns are responsible for part of the health problems of adolescents today. The current study aimed at examining the association between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), through each answer to the items of the Adherence to the MD Questionnaire (KIDMED), and physical fitness with body composition parameters (body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, and waist circumference) in 1717 European adolescents (N = 900 boys, N = 817 girls). Data of body composition, physical fitness results, and the answers to KIDMED were analyzed by the Student’s t-test. Additionally, the effect size (ES) was calculated and a Chi-square test analyzed the proportion of participants with and without over waist circumference, overfat, and overweight in each KIDMED question. The relative risk of suffering over waist circumference, overfat and overweight in relation to the responses was calculated by Odd-Ratio. Adherence to the MD did not influence the condition of over waist circumference, overfat and overweight, although certain dietary habits were identified as risk factors for their development. Over waist circumference, overfat, and overweight boys and girls presented higher levels of body mass, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and BMI (p < 0.001; ES = 1.73–3.38), as well as lower levels of all the parameters of the physical fitness analyzed (p < 0.001; ES = 0.45–1.08), except the handgrip test. A direct relationship between fitness and over waist circumference, overfat, and overweight was found.

Prevalence of Underweight and Overweight and Its Association with Physical Fitness in Egyptian Schoolchildren.

Underweight and overweight are serious health concerns for many children and could be associated with low physical-fitness levels. This study aimed (i) to evaluate the prevalence of underweight and overweight and (ii) to examine its association with the physical fitness levels in primary male and female schoolchildren. Including 13 government primary-schools, a cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2014 and 2017. Anthropometric characteristics together with the physical-fitness level were measured in 931 schoolchildren aged between 6- and 11-years old. The prevalence of under- and overweight children were 8.49% and 24.06%, respectively. These proportions were not significantly different between males and females and were affected by age (p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of overweight and a lower prevalence of underweight at 9–11 years, compared to 6–8 years old. Concerning the physical fitness levels, statistical analysis showed a better performance among males compared to females, among participants aged 9–11 years, compared to 6–8 years old, and among underweight and normal-weight, compared to overweight children (p < 0.001). There was a higher prevalence of overweight and lower prevalence of underweight at 9–11 years compared to 6–8 years old. Physical fitness levels were better in (i) males, compared to females, (ii) schoolchildren aged 9–11 years, compared to 6–8 years old, and (iii) underweight and normal-weight, compared to overweight children.

Overview of Physical and Nutritional Status of Student’s Nutritional Status

This study aims to determine the level of physical fitness and nutritional status of state elementary school students 01 Base Sub Base New Koto district. This type of research is descriptive. Sample technique using purposive sampling. The sample in this study was male students aged 10-12 years of class IV and V with a total of 39 students. The instrument, in this case, was carried out by measuring the physical fitness test (TKJI) and nutritional status with anthropometric tests (height and weight). Data analysis techniques using percentages. Based on data analysis, the results of the study found that out of 39 samples of Elementary School 01 Primary School in Koto Baru District School base students had a low level of physical fitness and normal nutritional status of students.

Promoting the mental and physical wellbeing of people with mental health difficulties through social enterprise

PurposeInterventions that promote both mental and physical wellbeing have been advocated for people with mental health difficulties, as they have been found to engage less in healthy behaviours and have lower levels of physical fitness. However, no optimal approach to facilitate this undertaking has been identified. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of people with psychological distress who accessed a social enterprise that fosters the building of positive social networks in the community, as part of a personalised recovery programme. The intention was to gain an insight into its therapeutic effect in relation to mental and physical health.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory survey design was undertaken with a purposive sample of 50 individuals who had attended the enterprise. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed to analyse the data from both closed and open-ended questions.FindingsThe wellbeing service appeared to provide a supportive environment that offered people access to social networks through their participation in local services and activities. Fostering participants’ active participation, connection building and the ability to make meaningful contributions helped to facilitate health behaviours that had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.Originality/valueThis study highlights the potential role of a social enterprise in optimising the social context for promoting the health and wellbeing of people with mental health difficulties.

Evaluation of Physical Fitness, Body Composition, and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Adolescents from Estonia: The AdolesHealth Study.

Unhealthy lifestyles, low levels of physical fitness, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) are associated with bad quality of life and the development of a wide range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The current study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to the MD in physical fitness performance and body composition parameters in children and adolescents of Estonia. Therefore, 413 adolescents (56% boys) from the city of Tartu completed the Mediterranean Diet Questionnaire (KIDMED) for analyzing the adherence to MD and performed the Alpha Fitness Test for measuring physical fitness and body composition. A 41.67% of low, 44.05% of average, and 14.28% of high adherence to MD was detected, without difference between genders (p = 0.747). In the Alpha Fitness battery, a higher performance was observed in all tests for boys vs. girls (p < 0.05). In relation to body composition, higher height, weight, and waist values were observed in boys (p < 0.05) and a lower body fat percentage (p < 0.01) without differences in body mass index (BMI; p = 0.906). The adherence to the MD is classified as average/low. Gender significantly influences all variables of the Alpha Fitness battery and anthropometrics measures excepting BMI. According the levels of adherence to the MD, no statistically different prevalence was observed for Non-Overweight (N-Oweight), Non-Overfat (N-Ofat), or Non-Overwaist (N-Owaist). Still, a risk factor for Overweight (Oweight) in boys with low adherence was observed in comparison to those with a mid-level of adherence to the MD.

Evaluating the Functional State and Physical Fitness of Men and Women in t he Second Period of Adulthood at t he Initial Stage of Recreational and Training Activities

It has been demonstrated that men and women in the second period of adulthood suffer detraining associated with low level of physical fitness and functional potential at the initial stage of recreational and training activities. Materials. The evaluation of the physical and functional potential of people in the second period of adulthood at the initial stage of recreational and training activities has been presented in the article. Methods. Analysis and generalization of scientific literature, analysis of indicators of the functional potential and physical fitness. Results. The study has been conducted with the purpose of assessing the state of physical and functional potential of the men and women in the second period of adulthood at the initial stage of recreational and training activities. The results of the experiment indicate that the men and women in the second period of adulthood are detrained. This is manifested in the worsening of almost all indicators reflecting the functional potential of the respiratory system. Disorders of the respiratory system are combined. Restriction (reduced stretchability of the lungs and chest), weakening of the respiratory muscles due to lower lung capacity with the growing Gaensler index, and obstruction (bronchospasm) – a significant decrease in all indicators reflecting bronchial permeability, especially the peak flow expiratory rate – are observed. Conclusion. The results allowed to make a conclusion about detraining associated primarily with low level of physical activity in people in the second period of adulthood, which was confirmed by the results of tests evaluating their physical performance and functional potential, low level of physical health, and weak motor potential at the initial stage of recreational and training activities.

Demographic, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates of accelerometer assessed physical activity and fitness in newly diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer

Introduction: Objective measurements of levels of physical activity and fitness in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are lacking. Furthermore, demographic, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates of low levels of physical activity and fitness in patients with HNC are unknown. This study aims to investigate the levels of accelerometer that assessed physical activity and fitness in patients with HNC and to identify their demographical, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates.Methods: Two hundred and fifty-four patients who were recently diagnosed with HNC and participated in the NETherlands QUality of life and Biomedical cohort studies In head and neck Cancer (NET-QUBIC) study were included. Physical activity (accelerometer), cardiorespiratory fitness (Chester Step Test), hand grip strength (hand dynamometer) and lower body muscle function (30-second chair-stand test) were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses with a stepwise forward selection procedure were used.Results: Patients spent 229 min/d in physical activity of which 18 min/d in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The mean predicted VO2max was 27.9 ml/kg/min, the mean hand grip strength was 38.1 kg and the mean number of standings was 14.3. Patients with lower educational level, more comorbidity and higher tumor stage spent significantly less time in physical activity. Older patients, females and patients with a higher tumor stage had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Older patients, females, patients with more comorbidity, patients with normal weight and patients who have never smoked had significantly lower hand grip strength. Older patients, patients with lower educational level, smokers and patients with more comorbidity had a significantly lower function of lower body muscle.Conclusions: Pre-treatment levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and lower body muscle function are low in patients with HNC. Based on this study, exercise programs targeted and tailored to patients with low levels of physical activity and fitness can be developed.

Sex differences in the association of risk factors for heart failure incidence and mortality

BackgroundThere are known risk factors associated with the development of heart failure (HF), but it is not fully understood whether these differ by sex.ObjectivesTo investigate sex differences in risk factors...

The association between physical fitness level and number and severity of injury and illness in youth elite athletes.

Youth elite athletes often double their training and competition load after enrollment into specialized sport academy high school programs. The least fit athletes may be exposed to an excessive and too rapid increase in training load, with negative adaptations such as injury and illness as a consequence. In this study, our aim was to determine whether these least fit athletes were at greater risk of injury or illness during their first school year. Participants were 166 youth elite athletes (72% boys) from a variety of team, technical, and endurance sports newly enrolled into specialized sport academy high schools. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems was used to self-report injuries and illnesses weekly for 26weeks. Athletes completed the Ironman Jr physical fitness test battery at baseline, evaluating endurance, strength, agility, and speed properties. We ranked the athletes based on their combined test scores and identified the least fit quartile. The main outcome was the number and severity of health problems, comparing the least fit quartile of athletes to the rest of the cohort. Overall, the least fit quartile of athletes did not report more health problems (mean 3.7, 95% CI 3.0-4.4) compared with the rest of the cohort (3.6, 3.2-3.9). In conclusion, we demonstrated no association between low physical fitness level and number andseverityofinjury and illness in youth elite athletes after enrollment into a specialized sport academy high school program.

Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Adolescents with Down Syndrome: The UP&DOWN Longitudinal Study.

Background: Adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) demonstrate higher values of body composition and lower levels of physical fitness when compared with their peers with typically developing (TD) or their peers with intellectual disability but without DS. Objective: To examine, during a 2-year period, changes in indicators of body composition and physical fitness components in TD adolescents and adolescents with DS. Methods: Hundred adolescents with DS (64 males) aged 11-20 years old were matched by sex to 163 TD adolescents (108 males) aged 12-18. Indicators of body composition were determined by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, skinfolds, and percentage of body fat (%BF). Components of physical fitness were assessed by the Assessing Level of Physical Activity (ALPHA) health-related fitness test battery for youth. Results: In the 2-year follow-up, significant (p < 0.05) decreases in BMI and increases in cardiorespiratory fitness and handgrip strength were seen for both groups; decreases in %BF were only seen for participants with DS; and increases in standing long jump were seen only for TD adolescents. Conclusions: Results indicate that during the 2-year study period, there were significant decreases in BMI and significant increases in handgrip strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in the TD group. For participants with DS, there was a significant decrease in %BF. However, participants with DS did not exhibit improvements in physical fitness.

The relationship between physical fitness and health self-assessment in elderly.

Background:The process of population aging inclines to seek determinants of the quality of life in the older people. Health self–assessment is the one of the main elements of the quality of life. In the older people it is associated with functional efficiency. The aim of the study was to determine correlations of physical fitness and health self-assessment.Methods:The study group included 123 people aged 60 to 86 years. Physical fitness was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Self-esteem of health was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire.Results:The analysis included sex factor and the occurrence of chronic diseases. When comparing with healthy participants, people suffering from chronic diseases revealed a lower level of physical fitness (P < .05) and health self-assessment (P < .05). The results of a significant percentage of study participants were worse than norms proposed as standards. The percentage of people below norms varied depending on sex, age, and SFT assessment and ranged from 0 to 89.5%.Conclusion:Physical fitness and health self-assessment among elderly may be strongly determined by cultural conditions, for example, habits, lifestyle in various regions. The application of conclusions suggests that the key element of rehabilitation programs among elderly should be focused on improving coordination and locomotor capabilities. Assessment of the elderly is more clearly associated with physical fitness in women than in men and also more in patients chronically ill than in healthy person. Comprehensive assessment of physical fitness according to standardized values does not indicate the diversity by sex.

Physical Fitness Level And Personality Traits At Age Six: Longitudinal Relationship With The Big Five

PURPOSE:To examine the longitudinal change of the Big Five factors of personality in children aged six years with high and low physical fitness(PF) levels. METHODS:The participants were 186 six-year-old children (87 boys, 99 girls). To measure PF level, PF tests for young children were conducted. Principal component analysis was performed for the seven PF test parameters, and the first principal component scores were converted into T scores classified by sex and age (categories spanning 0.5 years), which were treated as overall PF scores. To investigate children’s personalities with regard to the Big Five factors of personality, a questionnaire survey was administered to the children’s teachers. The five main factors of personality traits were “openness(O),” “conscientiousness(C),” “neuroticism(N),” “extraversion(E),” and “agreeableness(A).” Based on the overall PF score at age six we divided the participants into a higher PF level group (upper 25%, 47 participants) and lower PF level group (lower 25%, 47 participants). We conducted a two-factor analysis of variance (PF level × age) that corresponded to only one factor concerning the evaluation. When a significant main effect was observed, multiple comparison test (Tukey's HSD) was conducted. The statistical significance level of this study was less than 5%. RESULTS:“O” was significantly higher in the higher PF level group at ages five and six. “C” and “E” were significantly higher in the higher PF level group at ages four and six. “A” was significantly higher at ages four, five, and six in the higher PF level group. For “A,” a significant difference was found between the age of four and six and five and six in both groups, and for “E,” a significant difference was observed only in the higher PF level group, between the ages of four and five, four and six, and five and six. CONCLUSION:It was suggested that “A” and “E” are particularly fostered from the ages of five to six. It was inferred that personality characteristics were nurtured through physical activities such as athletic play, which involve communicating with multiple persons and obeying rules.

Physical Fitness of Adolescent Smoker

Adolescent smoking behavior has a bad influence on health and fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine vital capacity and hemoglobin level in smoker and non-smoker adolescent towards physical fitness. The study was quantitative research with surveys and measurement tests. The sample size was 40 adolescents which in the neighborhood of Gunungpati. We used t-test, MANOVA and post hoc test to determine the differences in smoker and non-smoker adolescent. This study showed smoker adolescents had lower vital capacity compared than non-smoker adolescents. The value of hemoglobin levels in smoker adolescents were higher than non-smoker adolescents so that it affect the low levels of physical fitness. For adolescents, it is expected to maintain physical fitness through physical activity and reduce the number of cigarettes consumed and even try to stop smoking for smoker adolescents..

Short-time high-intensity exercise increases peripheral BDNF in a physical fitness-dependent way in healthy men

BDNF is associated with brain health and positively modulated by exercise; however, the influence of physical fitness status on BDNF is incipient. This study investigated the BDNF response after acute-exercise sessions performed at low, moderate, and high intensities and the relationship between physical fitness status and BDNF response. Twenty-eight men, divided according to physical fitness status (<50th or >50th percentile for VO2max), performed three randomised acute exercise sessions at low (90% of VT1), moderate (midpoint between VT1-VT2), and high (midpoint between VT2-Wmax) intensities until exhaustion or for up to 60 min. Lactate and BDNF were determined pre and post-exercises. For BDNF, there were main effects of time (p = 0.003) and interaction (p < 0.001), showing an increase post high-intensity exercise (p < 0.001). Changes in BDNF presented differences between conditions (p < 0.001) with greater increase in high-intensity compared with the others (p = 0.003). For lactate, there were main effects of time (p < 0.001), condition (p < 0.001), and interaction (p < 0.001) with greater concentration in high-intensity. High-intensity exercise exhibited inverse correlation between the changes in BDNF and lactate (r=−0.38, p = 0.044). There was significant correlation between BDNF and VO2max for moderate (r = −0.57, p = 0.002) and a trend for high-intensity condition (r = −0.37, p = 0.050) and when evaluating BDNF according to physical fitness level, it was observed that subjects with lower physical fitness levels had greater increases in BDNF in short-time high-intensity exercise (p = 0.041). In conclusion, short-time high-intensity exercise seems to be more efficient in increasing BDNF concentration, and physical fitness level influences this response, as healthy individuals with lower physical fitness levels were more responsive.

Is Sitting Time Related with Physical Fitness in Spanishelderly Population? The EXERNET Multicenter Study.

Older adults spend most of their waking hours performing sedentary activities. The influence of these lifestyle patterns on the physical fitness (PF) levels of this population has not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of the study was to examine whether sedentary behavior (SB) (h•d-1sitting) is associated with PF, and specifically to analyze whether sitting >4 h•d-1 is associated with higher risk of having lower levels of fitness in seniors. EXERNET multi-center study. A representative sample of 3136 non-institutionalized elderly (aged 72.2±5.3 years), from 6 Regions of Spain were included in the study. PF was assessed using 8 different tests from the EXERNET battery. Lifestyle patterns were collected using a validated questionnaire. ANOVA was used to compare the groups according to the hours of sitting. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the association between the SB and low levels of fitness. For both genders, those who spent sitting >4 h•d-1 had lower levels of balance, agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p<0.001). Sedentary men also had less strength of lower extremities (p<0.05), whereas, sedentary women were less flexible in the lower extremities (p<0.001). More than 4 h•d-1 sitting was associated, in men, to higher odds for having low strength (lower extremities), agility, flexibility (lower extremities) and aerobic endurance (p<0.05); and in women, to higher risk of low balance, strength (lower and upper extremities), flexibility (lower extremities), agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p<0.05). Seniors that sit >4 h•d-1 have lower levels of fitness and this behavior is related with an increased risk of having low levels of PF in this population.

Physical fitness of children and adolescents with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities

Background: Low levels of physical fitness are associated with low physical and mental health. The aims of this study were to assess the health-related physical fitness of children with intellectual disability (ID), and study the association of physical activity and motor development with physical fitness.Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight children with moderate to severe ID (83 boys; age 2–18 years) visiting specialised day programme centres engaged in field-based physical fitness tests (body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness). Scores were compared to reference values, and with linear regression analysis the association between the fitness outcomes and physical activity and motor development was studied.Results: High rates of overweight (23–25%) and obesity (10–15%) were found. A majority of the participants (71–91%) scored below reference values for muscular strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Physical activity and motor development were positively associated with scores on several fitness test (β = 0.27–0.44; p < 0.05).Conclusions: Children with moderate to severe ID visiting specialised day programme centres have strikingly low physical fitness levels. Policies and interventions to increase the physical fitness for this specific group of children are urgently needed, in which increasing physical activity and motor skills are expected to be effective components.Implications for rehabilitationStrikingly low levels of physical fitness were seen in children and adolescents with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.This vulnerable group is in need of appropriate interventions to increase their physical fitness levels.Increasing the physical activity is a potential component in these interventions.Improving motor development will most likely lead to improved physical fitness as well.

Associations between health-related quality of life and physical fitness in 4-7-year-old Spanish children: the MOVIKIDS study.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in childhood is defined as an individual's subjective perception of the impact of health status on physical, psychological and social functioning. Nowadays, measuring of HRQOL has become an important outcome indicator in evaluating health-care. However, in younger children, the role of cardiorespiratory and other physical fitness components on HRQOL is unclear. The aims of this study were to analyse the association between components of physical fitness and HRQOL, as well as to determine which component of physical fitness was the best predictor of higher HRQOL. This was a cross-sectional study of 1413 schoolchildren (4 to 7years old) from Spain. HRQOL was evaluated with the KINDL-R questionnaire for parents. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and speed-agility were assessed using the ALPHA-Fitness battery. ANCOVA models were used to assess differences in HRQOL across physical fitness categories, controlling for age and BMI, by gender. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the independent association between the different physical fitness components and HRQOL. Children with high physical fitness levels had better scores in physical well-being, school and total HRQOL score than those who had low physical fitness levels. The best predictor of HRQOL (total score) was muscular strength in boys and speed-agility among girls. Children with high physical fitness levels have higher HRQOL, although the association between components of physical fitness and HRQOL varies according to gender. Improving physical fitness could be a good strategy for improving HRQOL in children.

Physical fitness is predictive for 5-year survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities.

BackgroundThe very low physical fitness levels of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) may influence their life expectancy. Therefore, we investigated the predictive value of physical fitness for survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities.MethodIn the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities (HA‐ID) study,the physical fitness levels of 900 older adults (≥50 years; 61.5 ± 8.1 years) were measured at baseline. All‐cause mortality was collected over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between each physical fitness test and survival, adjusted for age, sex, level of ID, and Down syndrome.ResultsThe physical fitness components that were independently predictive for survival were manual dexterity (HR = 0.96 [0.94–0.98]), visual reaction time (HR = 1.57 [1.28–1.94]), balance (HR = 0.97 [0.95–0.99]), comfortable gait speed (HR = 0.65 [0.54–0.78]), fast gait speed (HR = 0.81 [0.72–0.91]), grip strength (HR = 0.97 [0.94–0.99]) and cardiorespiratory fitness (HR = 0.997 [0.995–0.999]), with a better physical fitness showing a lower mortality risk.ConclusionWe showed for the first time that physical fitness was independently associated with survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities. Improving and maintaining physical fitness must become an essential part of care and support for this population.

Changes in the oxygen transport system of erythrocytes in testing the general endurance of students

The aim of the study: to reveal morpho-functional changes in erythrocytes in students with different levels of general endurance. Material and methods: It was examined 80 students (17-19 years old). The students performed a 12-min shuttle run (20m endurance shuttle-run - bleep test). The ventilation function of the lungs was estimated according to the forced exhalation data. The gas composition of the blood was determined by the gas analyzer ОРТІ ССА-TS. Results. It was determined that in students with lower than average and low levels of general endurance, the increase of lungs ventilation is stipulated by the increase in the frequency of respiration. This leads to rapid tiredness of the respiratory muscles, reduces ventilation of the lungs and gas exchange. Low levels of blood oxygenation, intensity of oxidative phosphorylation and ATP resynthesis lead to the appearance of atypical forms of erythrocytes. It is established that at the low level of cardiorespiratory endurance there is an increase in the concentration of acidic metabolism products in arterial blood and reduce in its alkaline reserves. Conclusions. Students with below average and low levels of physical fitness are characterized by: increased respiratory rate, reduced ventilation of the lungs and gas exchange. This leads to the formation of a hypoxic condition in the peripheral blood: a reduce of pO2, pCO2 level and the appearance of metabolic acidosis symptoms. For students with below average and low level of physical fitness hypoxic condition leads to violation of bioenergetic processes in peripheral blood erythrocytes, reduction of ATP product, increase in the content of intra-erythrocytic 2,3-BPG.

High School students’ experiences of being ‘seen’ by their physical education teachers

ABSTRACTThe study examines the association between students’ level of physical fitness and experiences of being ‘seen’ by their physical education (PE) teachers, by interviewing 26 high school students (13 with low physical fitness, and 13 with high physical fitness). The analyses indicated that being ‘seen’ in PE seems to be related to experienced opportunities for students to display their skills, teachers’ caring behaviours, feedback from teachers, and the quality and tone of dialogue with teachers. The results showed that, whereas all 13 students with a high level of physical fitness experienced being ‘seen’ by their PE teachers, only six students with a low level of physical fitness had the same experience. These findings suggest that PE teachers possess a limited narrative of their students with a low level of physical fitness. The results may also indicate the prevalence of a pedagogical approach, according to which teachers focus more on physically-fit students. Overall, teachers seem to play a key role in determining whether students experience being ‘seen’. The results have important implications for both teacher education and PE education in schools.