A Study to Assess the Fitness Level of Elementary School Students in Kamrup Metro, Assam

Prarthana Phukan; Somyata C Satpathy Sarma; Dony Kotoky Sarma; Rohit Sharma

Prarthana Phukan Assistant Professor, Shantha College of Physiotherapy, Shantha Group of Institutions, Karnataka, India
Somyata C Satpathy Sarma Associate Professor, The Assam Royal Global University, Assam, India
Dony Kotoky Sarma Assistant Professor, College of Physiotherapy and Medical Sciences, Assam
Rohit Sharma Assistant Professor, College of Physiotherapy and Medical Sciences, Assam

Keywords: Physical Fitness, FitnessGram, Physical Activity, Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ)

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence ofphysical inactivity, affecting both children and adults, stands out as a paramount public health challenge in the 21st century. Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for diseases linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity in children emerges as a catalyst not just for enhancing their physical well-being but also for bolstering self-esteem, nurturing social skills, and shaping behaviour which can contribute to the cultivation of a positive and enduring lifestyle throughout their lives.
Objective: To assess the fitness levels of elementary school students in Kamrup Metro, Assam, using the FitnessGram test
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 468 students aged 7–11 years. Four FitnessGram tests (1-mile walk test, sit-and-reach, trunk lift, and curl-up) were administered to assess aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. Descriptive statistics were done using the SPSS statistical tool.
Results: The results showed that boys demonstrated a significantly higher average aerobic capacity (VO2 max) than girls (p < 0.05). This superior performance by boys was consistently noted across other fitness measures, specifically the Sit-and-Reach, Curl-Up, and Trunk
Lift assessments.
Conclusion: This research evaluated the physical fitness of elementary school children in Kamrup Metro, Assam, highlighting that boys exhibited significantly superior physical fitness as compared to girls in gender
specific tests and contributions (significant at p < 0.001). Thus, the present study reveals the direct relationship of physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscular strength and flexibility and endurance) among elementary school students using the FitnessGram test. As regular physical activity improves the physical fitness of an individual, adding various activities to the daily routine will not only help to improve fitness level but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How to cite this article:
Phukan P, Sarma S C S, Sarma D K, Sharma R. A
Study to Assess the Fitness Level of Elementary
School Students in Kamrup Metro, Assam.
Chettinad Health City Med J. 2025;14(3):11-18.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202533

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