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Physical Fitness and Activity Levels among Urban School Children and their Rural Counterparts

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Abstract

Objective

To evaluate and compare physical activity and physical fitness among urban school children and their rural counterparts.

Methods

This cross sectional study included children aged between 9 and 13 y in eight middle schools; 4 urban and 4 rural. Data on health related fitness parameters was obtained by using the procedures described in the Euro fit physical fitness test manual. The data regarding physical activity was collected by using the Self Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC).

Results

Six hundred and fifty subjects (341 rural and 309 urban) with the mean age 10.84 in rural and 10.85 in urban were included. This study showed statistically significant differences in the height, weight, BMI and SAPAC score between the rural and urban children. Also, rural children were more flexible (mean SRT = 23.42 cm) with a good cardiovascular endurance when compared to their urban counterparts.

Conclusions

The results reveal that rural children performed better in flexibility and cardio vascular endurance tests when compared to their urban counterparts. Promotion of health related fitness involves physical activity associated with weight management which is the prime need of the hour.

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Conflict of Interest

None.

Role of Funding Source

This study was supported by the Department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, 575002, India

    Anupama Karkera, Narasimman Swaminathan, Sudeep MJ Pais & Kavitha Vishal

  2. Department of Pediatrics and Chief of Medical Services, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, India

    Sanjeev Rai B

Authors
  1. Anupama Karkera
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  2. Narasimman Swaminathan
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  3. Sudeep MJ Pais
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  4. Kavitha Vishal
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  5. Sanjeev Rai B
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Correspondence to Narasimman Swaminathan.

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Karkera, A., Swaminathan, N., Pais, S.M. et al. Physical Fitness and Activity Levels among Urban School Children and their Rural Counterparts. Indian J Pediatr 81, 356–361 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-013-1033-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-013-1033-8

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