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Disparities in Fitness and Physical Activity Among Children

John Bowser, Ana P Martinez-Donate, Aaron Carrel

    WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
    |November 3, 2017
    PubMed

    Insights

    Racial and ethnic disparities exist in children's physical activity and fitness levels. Students in higher socioeconomic status schools showed better activity and fitness, highlighting potential for school-based interventions to reduce health inequities.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Pediatric Health
    • Exercise Science

    Background:

    • Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are crucial for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
    • Significant sociodemographic and economic disparities are linked to these conditions, originating in childhood.
    • This study investigates disparities in physical activity and fitness among Wisconsin's children and adolescents.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among Wisconsin youth.
    • To identify factors within the school environment that may contribute to these health disparities.

    Main Methods:

    • Data collected from 3,798 6th-grade students across 37 Wisconsin schools in fall 2011.
    • Cardiorespiratory fitness assessed via physical education class testing.
    • Physical activity measured using self-report, 1-day activity logs during school hours.

    Main Results:

    • Significant race and ethnic disparities were observed in aerobic fitness levels.
    • More limited disparities were found in physical activity levels across racial/ethnic groups.
    • Students attending schools with higher socioeconomic status (SES) demonstrated higher physical activity and fitness levels compared to those in lower SES schools.

    Conclusions:

    • Race/ethnicity and school-level SES significantly influence fitness and physical activity levels in Wisconsin adolescents.
    • Modifiable school environment factors present opportunities to enhance physical activity and fitness.
    • Interventions targeting these factors could reduce childhood health disparities and improve long-term adult health outcomes.
    Abstract

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