Progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run and body mass index among an ethnically diverse sample of 10-15-year-olds

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2005 Dec;76(4):389-97. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2005.10599311.

Abstract

This study examined the cardiovascular fitness (CVF, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER], number of laps completed) and the prevalence of at risk of overweight (AR) and overweight (OW) among 10-15-year-olds (48% girls)from the following ethnic backgrounds: African American (n = 2,604), Asian-Pacific Islander (n = 3,888), Hispanic (n = 11,680); and White non-Hispanic (n = 16,352). Hierarchal multiple linear regression analysis, controlling for height and weight, with White non-Hispanics serving as the comparison group, revealed a limited number of significant differences among PACER performances, with no values exceeding +/- 4.43 laps. Odds ratios (OR) for being classified as AR or OW were significantly greater (p < .01) in African American (OR = 1.25, 1.65) and Hispanic (OR = 2.33, 2.28) boys and girls, respectively, and Asian boys (OR = 1.43). The results of this cross-sectional analysis indicated negligible differences in CVF among ethnic groups, while AR and OW were consistent with previous reports for ethnic populations.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Body Mass Index*
  • California / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Obesity / ethnology*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Physical Endurance*
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Prevalence
  • Running*
  • Sex Distribution