Growth status and physical fitness of primary school children in an urban and a rural community in Oaxaca, southern Mexico

Author / Creator

Peña Reyes, María Eugenia

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Physical

Summary

This study considered the growth status and physical fitness of primary school children in a rural and an urban community in the Valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico, in 1999-2000. The prevalence of g...

This study considered the growth status and physical fitness of primary school children in a rural and an urban community in the Valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico, in 1999-2000. The prevalence of growth stunting, wasting, and overweight and obesity were also considered. The sample included 700 school children 6 to 13 years of age, 361 from the rural community (177 males, 184 females) and 339 from the urban community (173 males, 166 females). Anthropometric dimensions included body size, segment lengths, skeletal breadths, limb circumferences and skinfolds. The body mass index (BMI), leg length, arm and calf muscle circumferences, sum of skinfolds, and a trunk/extremity skinfold ratio were derived. Physical fitness items included motor- and health-related tests: right and left grip strength (muscular strength), 35 yard dash (32.3 meters, speed), standing long jump (explosive power), sit-and-reach (flexibility), timed sit-ups (30 seconds, abdominal strength and endurance), and a distance run (8 minutes in grades 1-3 and 12 minutes in grades 4-6, cardiovascular endurance).

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