Health-related physical fitness of schoolchildren aged 7 to 10 years by Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the rate of children meeting the health criteria proposed by Physical Best-AAPHERD (1988). The sample consisted of 72 schoolchildren of both sexes, from a public school in Marechal Cândido Rondon - PR, aged 7 to 10 years. Health indicators included BMI, sum of skinfold thicknesses (triceps and subscapular), and motor tests such as sit-and-reach, one-minute sit-ups, arm flexion/extension while suspended from a bar, and a 1609 m run/walk. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were used to obtain relative values meeting the health criteria. Results showed a higher achievement of criteria among boys, with approximately 43% meeting five test items and 13.3% meeting all six items simultaneously. Among girls, the results were less significant, with around 21% achieving five test items and less than 5% achieving all six proposed items simultaneously. It was concluded that, for younger ages, a significant number of schoolchildren meet the criteria established by Physical Best, especially for body adiposity in both sexes. However, it was evident that girls' results for motor test items were much lower than those of boys, raising concerns regarding health standards.