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Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica
Print version ISSN 1726-4634
Abstract
BUSTAMANTE, Alcibíades; BEUNEN, Gastón and MAIA, José. Evaluation of physical fitness levels in children and adolescents: establishing percentile charts for the central region of Peru. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2012, vol.29, n.2, pp.188-197. ISSN 1726-4634.
Objectives. Construct percentile charts and physical fitness (PF) reference values stratified by age and sex of children and adolescents from Perus central region. Materials and methods. The sample was comprised of 7,843 subjects (4,155 females and 3,688 males) between the ages of 6 to 17 years old. Physical fitness was assessed using six tests developed by EUROFIT, FITNESSGRAM and AAPHERD. Percentile charts were developed separately for males and females using the LMS method calculated with LMSchartmaker software. Results. Males showed higher PF values with the exception of flexibility; a clear increase in PF with increasing age was verified. Conclusions. Inter-individual variability in both sexes is substantial. Charts and specific reference values by age and sex may be used for the assessment and interpretation of childrens and adolescents PF levels in Perus central region. These findings may be of help to educators, public health professionals, parents, and policy-makers when assessing schools physical education programs
Keywords : Athletic performance; Somatotypes; Motor activity; Child; Adolescent.