Children’s fitness is falling

23 December 2009: Children’s fitness levels are declining, even in children who are not overweight, according to research published this week.

The study looked at the changes in body mass index (BMI) and fitness levels in children from the UK over the last 10 years. It is thought that children with a high BMI have low fitness levels.

The researchers took height and weight measurements of a group of 300 children aged 10 from six different schools. They used these measurements to calculate each child’s BMI – a measure used to determine if you are a healthy weight for your height. Each child was then asked to carry out a 20 metre shuttle run fitness test, also known as the bleep test. This test involves continuously running between two points 20 metres apart. A series of loud bleeps indicate the time by which each point must be reached. The bleeps get closer and closer together forcing the runner to go faster. They recorded the number of shuttle runs each child completed and their running speed at the final stage.

Ten years later, in 2008, the researchers took the same measurements and repeated the same test on a similar group of 300 children.

The researchers found that over the 10-year period BMI had increased in boys, but not in girls. They also found that there was a seven percent decrease in boy’s fitness and a nine percent decrease in girl’s fitness. This was in spite of none of the children being significantly overweight.

Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director for Bupa International, commented: “This study highlights a worrying trend of declining fitness levels in children. What is of most concern is that fitness levels are falling in children who are not overweight. We are all so focused on tackling childhood obesity and overweight issues that we may be overlooking those children who are a healthy weight but are putting themselves at risk because of a lack of fitness.

“The physical, mental and social benefits of exercise are well documented for both adults and children. Despite this, physical activity levels are decreasing among children worldwide, especially in poor urban areas.

“As a parent, it is important that you encourage your children to be active from an early age to help develop positive attitudes and behaviours towards physical activity. A good way to get children exercising is to find activities that they enjoy and get the whole family involved.”

Key facts

Children should be doing at least an hour of physical activity each day.
Globally, it is estimated that two out of three children are doing less than the recommended amount of physical activity.
There are many health benefits for children who are physically active. It helps children grow, build strong muscles and bones, and maintain a healthy body weight.

To encourage your child to do more physical activity try the following.

Get the whole family involved in activities such as bike rides and swimming. You could suggest going to the park for a game of football or basketball.
Give your child praise and encouragement when he or she takes part in activity.
Encourage your child to take part in sport and physical education lessons at school. You could check what after-school clubs are available, such as gymnastics and dance.
Enrol your child in a sports club in your local area. You may find it helpful to ask a friend to join in. But allow your child to choose what club he or she would like to join.

Sandercock G, Voss C, McConnell D et al. Ten year secular declines in the cardiorepiratory fitness of affluent English children are largely independent of changes in body mass index. Arch Dis Child 2009; 0:1-2. doi:10.1136/adc.2009.162107