Children less fit than their parents

Cardiovascular endurance exercise helps strengthen your heart so that it is able to transport oxygen to your organs and muscles. The heart is the most important muscle in the human body. With proper diet and regular exercise, cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke can be minimized.

A person’s heart health is a good indicator of their overall health. But are our children as healthy as their parents were at the same age? A recent study presented to the American Heart Association concluded that children today cannot run as fast or as far as their parents did at the same age. Running, in addition to improving our cardiovascular fitness, strengthens our muscles, bones and joints. Declining cardiovascular endurance may lead to significant health consequences as these children grow into adults.

The study analyzed 50 studies on running fitness between 1964 and 2010, measuring over 25 million children in 28 countries. Researchers concluded that children are on average 90 seconds slower in the mile, and that their cardiovascular fitness has decreased by 15% over that time.

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children and youth should get at least one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. If the habit of exercise is formed early, it can carry onto adulthood. In order to make it a habit, we should encourage our children and youth to:

• Limit screen time from the TV and computer 
• Walk the dog or walk to school 
• Ride the bike, skateboard or jog instead of getting a ride 
• Get involved with after school activities 
• Try a competitive sport (e.g., running, swimming, cross country skiing) 

To improve your cardiovascular endurance, try activities that elevate the heart rate for a sustain length of time such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or rowing. When starting such activities, start out slow then gradually increase the intensity over time.

In addition, cardiovascular exercise can help to enhance mental health, assist with weight control, and help prevent many diseases. When your heart is fit, it becomes efficient which not only supports you in carrying out daily chores without difficulty, but enables you to enjoy a healthier and happier quality of life.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Cardiovascular Responses in Endurance-Trained Children. Pediatric Exercise Science. May 2003;15(2):126.

2. Drenowatz C, Wartha O, Klenk J, Brandstetter S, Wabitsch M, Steinacker J. Differences in Health Behavior, Physical Fitness, and Cardiovascular Risk in Early, Average, and Late Mature Children. Pediatric Exercise Science. February 2013;25(1):69-83.

3. Is There a Scientific Rationale Supporting the Value of Exercise for the Present and Future Cardiovascular Health of Children? The Pro Argument. Pediatric Exercise Science. November 1996;8(4):294-302.

4. Kelly I, Phillips M, Revels M, Ujamaa D. Contribution of the School Environment to Physical Fitness in Children and Youth. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health. May 2010;7(3):333-342.

5. Marinković M, Miličević B. EFFECTS OF INTENSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING ON CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE. / UTJECAJ INTENZIVNOG TRENINGA SNAGE NA KARDIOVASKULARNU IZDRŽLJIVOST. Sport Science. June 2010;3(1):32-36.

6. MARTINS C, SILVA F, GAYA A, AIRES L, RIBEIRO J, MOTA J. Cardiorespiratory fitness, fatness, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents from Porto. European Journal Of Sport Science. March 2010;10(2):121-127.

Physical Education and Academics

For today's students, physical education classes and time spent participating in physical activity in school has been reduced due to lack of resources, and competing curriculum demands. In most high schools, students are not required to take physical education after their second year, as the curriculum only requires two PE classes in order to graduate. Also, being part of an intermural or varsity team is not a requirement but an option for most students.

Academic Institutions are first and foremost, an environment for learning. Studying math, writing and science are very important; however, learning about health, socializing and developing as a human being are vital as well. There is no question that for some, high school can be a challenging environment. But exposure to some physical activity during this time can have a dramatically positive effect in the years to come.

The reality is that obesity levels in children have progressively increased over time. There is no other environment to help educate and implement policies to combat obesity than in educational institutions. Obese children tend to become obese adults, costing the health care system billions of dollars. Childhood obesity also leads to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and emotional and physical health problems.

According to Physical and Health Education Canada, PHE, 57% of Canadian children age 5-17 are not active enough to meet the international guidelines for optimal growth and development. Childhood overweight and obesity rates in Canada have almost doubled since 1978, from 15% to 26%.

A study presented at the 2012 American Psychological Association concluded that middle school students with healthy hearts and lungs scored better in math and reading.

Benefits of Physical Activity

• Physically active individuals have longer attention spans allowing for greater concentration and absorption during class time. 
• Physical activity is a preventative measure against disease. Students remain healthier and learn the value of regular exercise
• Physical activity promotes a physically active lifestyle and promotes good health. 

To combat childhood obesity, physical education and nutrition classes need to be a part of the education system. Physical education has a positive impact on academic performance and may even help facilitate improved performance in the classroom.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. DHURUP M, REDDY L. Social and task cohesion and the relationship with team sport satisfaction and academic performance among a first year university cohort. African Journal For Physical, Health Education, Recreation & Dance. June 2013;19(2):381-393.

2. DU TOIT D, PIENAAR A, TRUTER L. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN. South African Journal For Research In Sport, Physical Education & Recreation (SAJR SPER). December 2011;33(3):23-35. 

3. Haapala E. Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Motor Skills in Relation to Cognition and Academic Performance in Children -- A Review. Journal Of Human Kinetics. March 2013;37:55-68.

4. Reed J, Einstein G, Hahn E, Hooker S, Gross V, Kravitz J. Examining the Impact of Integrating Physical Activity on Fluid Intelligence and Academic Performance in an Elementary School Setting: A Preliminary Investigation. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health [serial online]. May 2010;7(3):343-351.

5. Reed J, Maslow A, Long S, Hughey M. Examining the Impact of 45 Minutes of Daily Physical Education on Cognitive Ability, Fitness Performance, and Body Composition of African American Youth. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health. February 2013;10(2):185-197.

6. The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance. COAHPERD Journal. September 2010;35(2):11-20.

7. VAN D, KELDER S, KOHL III H, RANJIT N, PERRY C. Associations of Physical Fitness and Academic Performance Among Schoolchildren. Journal Of School Health. December 2011;81(12):733-740.