The cardiorespiratory fitness of children and the anthropometric determinants during late childhood within South-East Wales: Potential implications for future health

Objective. This study investigated cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels and the relationship with field-based measures of anthropometry in children aged 10 to 11 years. Methods. A total of 288 boys and 257 girls participated in the study. CRF (20 m shuttle run) and several field-based measures of anthropometry were assessed. Multiple regression was utilized for all data analysis. Results. Boys performed significantly better than girls on the CRF test (P <.001) and achieved higher classifications of CRF based on centile norms compared to girls. All measures of anthropometry were significant predictors of CRF, (P <.001), and each measure was significant in predicting a negative trajectory of CRF performance when they increased in value (P <.05). Conclusion. The study findings add to the international reporting of CRF and the use of simple field-based measures of anthropometry alongside the use of BMI to predict CRF for health with Welsh school children (UK).