Cardiovascular fitness of a pediatric population in Central Kampala, Uganda
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Date
2015
Authors
Nsibambi, C.A.
Wamukoya, E.K.
Wanderi, P. M.
Onywera, V.O.
Goon, D.T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular fitness of pediatric population in
central Kampala, Uganda. A stratified random sampling was used to select 1929 pupils aged 6-9
years in Wakiso and Mukono districts. A pre-experimental design was used to collect data on the
cardiovascular fitness endurance using a 9-minute distance run/walk test. Pupils in day schools
had significantly higher mean score (1538.02±309.09) for the 9-minute distance run/walk than
those in boarding schools (1486.27±305.22). There was significant gender difference in
cardiovascular fitness endurance with boys recording higher mean score (1591±356.76) than girls
(1440.64±236.72). Majority (71%) of pupils met acceptable cardiovascular fitness endurance
according to percentile norms set by American Association of Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). About 18.8% and 10.1% had weak and critical
cardiovascular endurance status, respectively, which necessitated intervention. Pupils in day
schools had better cardiovascular fitness endurance than those in boarding schools; and boys had
better cardiovascular endurance compared to girls. There is need for surveillance of physical
activity patterns of Ugandan children which may affect their cardiovascular fitness endurance
Description
Research paper
Keywords
AAHPERD, Cardiovascular fitness, School children, Uganda
Citation
African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance (AJPHERD) Volume 21(3:2), September 2015, pp. 869-876.