Fitness of Canadian children and youth: results from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey.

TLDR

Canadian children and youth fitness has not been measured for over two decades, a period marked by rising obesity and sedentary behaviors. The study aims to provide current fitness estimates for Canadians aged 6–19 using data from the 2007‑2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Authors present descriptive statistics of body composition, aerobic, and musculoskeletal fitness by sex and age, comparing them to the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey. Findings reveal significant sex differences, age-related changes, and that 15‑19‑year‑olds have better aerobic fitness and body composition than adults, suggesting a decline that may heighten chronic disease risk, healthcare costs, and productivity loss.

Abstract

The fitness of Canadian children and youth has not been measured in more than two decades, a period during which childhood obesity and sedentary behaviours have increased. This paper provides up-to-date estimates of the fitness of Canadians aged 6 to 19 years.Data are from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), the most comprehensive direct health measures survey ever conducted on a nationally representative sample of Canadians. Descriptive statistics for indicators of body composition, aerobic fitness and musculoskeletal fitness are provided by sex and age group, and comparisons are made with the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey (CFS).Fitness levels of children and youth have declined significantly and meaningfully since 1981, regardless of age or sex. Significant sex differences exist for most fitness measures. Fitness levels change substantially between ages 6 and 19 years. Youth aged 15 to 19 years generally have better aerobic fitness and body composition indicators than 20- to 39-year-olds.This decline in fitness may result in accelerated chronic disease development, higher health care costs, and loss of future productivity.