Predicted maximal oxygen uptake in normal Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren and those with respiratory diseases

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Physiology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in children is crucial for understanding their health.
• Previous studies suggest potential ethnic and lifestyle influences on fitness levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the maximum oxygen uptake (V'O2 max) in Hong Kong Chinese children.
• To investigate the relationship between V'O2 max, respiratory illnesses, and physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A Multistage Fitness Test (MFT) was administered to 1,427 children aged 8-12 years.
• Data on respiratory symptoms, illnesses, and physical activity were collected.
• Spirometry was performed to measure forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).

Main Results:

• Mean V'O2 max was 30.3 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) for boys and 28.6 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) for girls, below Western benchmarks.
• Children with asthma and bronchitis showed significantly reduced V'O2 max and FEV1.
• Habitual physical activity independently predicted V'O2 max.

Conclusions:

• Hong Kong children have lower V'O2 max compared to Western children, potentially due to ethnic factors and lower physical activity.
• Respiratory illnesses negatively impact cardiorespiratory fitness in this population.
• Promoting physical activity may be key to improving children's V'O2 max.