Are Children Less Fit Today Compared to Previous Decades?

Are Children Less Fit Today Compared to Previous Decades?

Childhood’s physical inactivity and obesity have been the major health issues in Canada with significant evidence in the rise of childhood obesity and high level of inactive in recent years (Tremblay et al., 2010). The majority of Canadian children do not attain the recommended amount of physical activity for their age (Deraspe, 2012). Today’s Canadian children are ‘weaker’, ‘fatter’, ‘heavier’, and ‘taller’ than they were decades ago (Tremblay et al., 2010). The causes of physical inactivity are numerous, including environmental and social factors, and practices in schools (Downs, 2005). The consequences of physical inactivity are associated with several chronic disease development, higher health care cost, and loss of future productivity (Tremblay et al., 2010). Obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia are the risk factor concerns for children because it tracks into adulthood; therefore, physical activity and fitness are the key preventive measures (Baranowski et al., 1992). The importance of physical activity and fitness are associated with multiple health and wellness benefits in children (Downs, 2005; Tremblay et al., 2010). Children’s physical fitness levels have declined significantly compared to the past decades (Larouche, 2011). This paper reviews the literature on the present level of physical fitness in children.

Physical fitness is “a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to their ability to perform physical activity,” or a physiological state (as cited in Branca, Nikogosian, & Lobstein, 2007, pg. 35). The components of physical fitness includes measurement of body composition [for example, waist circumference, skinfolds, and body mas...

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...edentary behaviour established is the preferred method of activity for children (2005).

The academic setting plays an important role in children’s physical activity level where children spend most of their time (Downs, 2005). Due to the changes in curriculum and budgetary concerns, physical education (PE) has not been a priority and; thus, there is a decline in physical education (2005). PE is an important subject as physical fit children performed better on cognitive task and processed stimuli faster than sedentary children (2005).

Children’s physical fitness levels have declined significantly compared to the past decades (Larouche, 2011). They are ‘weaker’, ‘fatter’, ‘heavier’, and ‘taller’ than they were decades ago due to numerous social and environmental factors (Downs, 2005; Tremblay et al., 2010). Physical activity and fitness are key preventive measures