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Cardiovascular Fitness of a Pediatric Population in Central Kampala, Uganda


CA Nsibambi
EK Wamukoya
PM Wanderi
VO Onywera
DT Goon

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.

Keywords: AAHPERD, Cardiovascular Fitness, School Children, Uganda


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print ISSN: 2411-6939