A controlled trial of a physical fitness program for fifth grade students

The relative effectiveness of a structured physical fitness program was compared with that of the customary organized activities for fifth grade students. The level of fitness was compared at the beginning and end of the nine-month academic year as well as after the three-month summer recess during which time no structured program was offered. The experimental group showed significant improvement over the control group in flexibility, strength and endurance during the school year; part of that improvement was maintained over the summer months; the physical fitness program had a positive influence on the general activity level of the students and was adopted by nine of the other 10 classrooms in the experimental school.