Physical fitness reference standards in Italian children

Conclusion: The reference standards are provided as 1st, 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 97th, and 99th percentiles in the form of both tables and charts and are roughly comparable with those of other European children.What is Known:• Physical fitness in childhood is considered a marker of current and future health;• Several tests have been developed to assess physical fitness in children;• There are general European reference standards for a series of tests of the main fitness components for children.What is New:• The present study provides specific reference standards for a series of tests that are indicative of the main fitness components and easily applied in children, particularly those in the Italian population;• Standing balance test and basketball frontal throw test references in a wide sample of children;• The performance of children in the present study was roughly comparable to that of other European children.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research