A huge drop in children’s fitness level

Research shows that children today are not as fit as their parents were.

 

A study of global fitness reveals that children’s cardio fitness has declined drastically since 1975.

 

The study’s lead author, Dr Grant Tomkinson, said: “If a young person is generally unfit now, then they are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease later in life.”

 

He believes that the decline in fitness levels is caused by social, behavioural and physical factors.

 

Researchers examined various studies on the running fitness of children aged nine to 17. They tested cardio endurance by the distance children could run in a set time or how long it took them.

 

Results revealed that endurance continues to decline by about 5% every decade.

 

They showed that children would be about two minutes slower than youngsters 30 years ago, they are also less fit on cardiovascular measure than their parents were at their age.

 

Mums and dads are encouraged to help their little ones be as active as they can because high levels of cardio fitness are important to stay healthy.

 

Young people are advised to do at least an hour of physical activity every day. These activities include walking, cycling or swimming.