Evaluation of physical fitness levels in children and adolescents: establishing percentile charts for the central region of Peru

Abstract

Objectives. Construct percentile charts and physical fitness (PF) reference values stratified by age and sex of children and adolescents from Peru’s central region. Materials and methods. The sample was comprised of 7,843 subjects (4,155 females and 3,688 males) between the ages of 6 to 17 years old. Physical fitness was assessed using six tests developed by EUROFIT, FITNESSGRAM and AAPHERD. Percentile charts were developed separately for males and females using the LMS method calculated with LMSchartmaker software. Results. Males showed higher PF values with the exception of flexibility; a clear increase in PF with increasing age was verified. Conclusions. Inter-individual variability in both sexes is substantial. Charts and specific reference values by age and sex may be used for the assessment and interpretation of children’s and adolescents’ PF levels in Peru’s central region. These findings may be of help to educators, public health professionals, parents, and policy-makers when assessing schools’ physical education programs.