Physical fitness and activity levels among urban school children and their rural counterparts

Objective: To evaluate and compare physical activity and physical fitness among urban school children and their rural counterparts. Methods: This cross sectional study included children aged between 9 and 13 y in eight middle schools; 4 urban and 4 rural. Data on health related fitness parameters was obtained by using the procedures described in the Euro fit physical fitness test manual. The data regarding physical activity was collected by using the Self Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). Results: Six hundred and fifty subjects (341 rural and 309 urban) with the mean age 10.84 in rural and 10.85 in urban were included. This study showed statistically significant differences in the height, weight, BMI and SAPAC score between the rural and urban children. Also, rural children were more flexible (mean SRT=23.42 cm) with a good cardiovascular endurance when compared to their urban counterparts. Conclusions: The results reveal that rural children performed better in flexibility and cardio vascular endurance tests when compared to their urban counterparts. Promotion of health related fitness involves physical activity associated with weight management which is the prime need of the hour.