Health-Related Fitness Levels among Title I Elementary School Students

Abstract

Over the past few decades, studies have emphasized improving children’s health by increasing health-related fitness levels. Despite the known benefits of health-related fitness in youth, studies have also highlighted a lack of physical activity opportunities for children living in low-income households. The purpose of this study was to investigate the health-related fitness levels of students attending Title I (low-income) elementary schools. A total of 77 elementary students (50.6% female; Mage = 10.0, SD = 0.827) from two Title I elementary schools in the western United States completed the FitnessGram assessments of aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the number of students in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) based upon the FitnessGram HFZ Performance Standards. Less than 17% of students achieved the HFZ for aerobic capacity and only 31.2% achieved the HFZ for upper body strength and endurance. Students performed better for abdominal strength and endurance and flexibility with 55.8% and 68.8% achieving the HFZ, respectively. The results of this study offer insights into the health-related fitness levels of a unique population, students attending Title I schools. School health professionals, including physical education teachers, need to be aware of existing disparities and make efforts to systematically intervene.

Physical Activity Enjoyment, Physical Activity Behavior, and Motor Competence in Low-Income Elementary School Students

“…Furthermore, a number of research studies have shown that low socioeconomic status is associated with physical inactivity and low levels of health-related fitness among school-aged children. Factors such as limited physical activity opportunities, unhealthy eating habits, and environmental stressors disproportionately affect children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to poorer health outcomes [5][6][7]. Similarly, Peralta et al's research emphasized the impact of socioeconomic status on physical activity behaviors.…”