Cardiovascular fitness of a pediatric population in Central Kampala, Uganda

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.