Fisieke aktiwiteit en bevolkingsgroepe se verband met fisieke fiksheid van 13-15 jarige dogters in die Noordwes Provinsie

Abstract

Inactive lifestyles have increased worldwide among children in developed and developing countries. Reasons for this decline in physical activity (PA) could be attributed to lower physical activity patterns and improved technology (TV and computer). Adequate physical activity is, however, known to improve aerobic fitness which in tum can lower the risk for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) (VO2 max, arm strength, abdominal strength, grip strength and flexibility) in 13- to- 15 year old girls, as well as amongst the different racial groups living in the North- West Province. A total of 290, 13 to 15 year old girls were recruited from 16 randomly selected schools in the North-West Province. Physical activity data were obtained through the standardise questionnaire (Previous day physical activity recall (PDP AR, Trost et al., 1999). Physical fitness status was obtained through a physical fitness test battery (seven level abdominal strength test, bent-arm hang, handgrip strength, bleep-test and the modified sit-and-reach test measuring flexibility). Anthropometric data including height, weight, BMI and skin folds were also collected. Results indicated that 73.3 % of the participants were classified in the low intensity PA level which is in accm:dance with and even lower than those in other studies elsewhere in the world. Physical activity was not significantly associated with PF, although definite trends were found which showed that PF increased with increasing FA levels. Further analysis of contributing factors to VO2 max was done through a regression analysis. Fat-percentage, strength, age and flexibility showed a statistical contribution of moderate practical significance to VO2 max. Physical activity patterns significantly contributed to differences in body stature, abdominal strength, bent-arm hang and flexibility among white, black and Indian girls. Indian girls were less active than coloured, blacks and white girls, which may be attributed to their culture, since a great deal of their time is spent attending religious schooling in the afternoons. In developing countries, with low socio-economic status and under-nutrition, a lack of opportunities and education play a role in their PA and PF levels. Teachers should be educated to teach children the importance of PA and to uphold their PF skills.