ABSTRACT
Physical Fitness Index (PFI), of fifty Residential (Sainik) School children (Mean +/- SD, 13.18 +/- 0.48 yrs) and forty four Non-Residential school children (Mean +/- SD, 13.15 +/- 0.66 yrs) of Bijapur, Karnataka, was assessed by Harvard Step Test. Their height (cm), weight (kg), chest circumference (cm), and mid arm circumference (cm) were recorded as physical anthropometry. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated (kg/m2). Results indicated that Non-Residential School children had poor physical anthropometry and showed a less PFI score (Mean +/- SD, 60.56 +/- 13.49), as compared to Residential (Sainik) School children (Mean +/- SD, 85.7 +/- 16.91). Regular physical activity with uniform diet and better physical composition attributed higher physical fitness in the children of Residential (Sainik) school in comparison to their sedentary Non-Residential counter part.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Blood Pressure , Body Height , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , Child , Heart Rate , Humans , Physical Fitness , Residence Characteristics , SchoolsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) is a powerful indicator for respiratory muscle strength, which reflects the ability of a person to cough effectively. METHODS: The present study was designed on healthy respiratory symptom free children of a Residential - Sainik (50) and Non-Residential (44) school children (aged 12-14 yrs) of Bijapur, to evaluate MEP in relation to their physical anthropometry. MEP (mm Hg) was determined by using a modified Black's apparatus, which is significantly higher in Residential-Sainik school children in comparison to Non-Residential school children (p < 0.01). RESULTS: In both groups, MEP showed positive correlation with height (Residential, r = 0.72, p < 0.001; Non-Residential, r = 0.73, p < 0.001); weight (Residential, r = 0.73, p < 0.001; Non-Residential, r = 0.69, p < 0.001), BSA (Residential, r = 0.79, p < 0.001; Non-Residential, r = 0.72, p < 0.001) and BMI (Residential, r = 0.48, p < 0.01; Non-Residential, r = 0.34, p < 0.05), and also revealed a higher MEP in children with greater chest expansion. CONCLUSION: Possibly, routine physical exercise in residential Sainik school children attribute to their better respiratory muscle strength.