Abstract des Autors

The effect of participation in an 11 month multi-dimensional 'Health in Primary Schools Program' on the physical fitness of 52 children (mean age = 9.3 +/- 1.6 yrs at the start of the study) was investigated. There were significant decreases (p<0.05) in the performance of the children on two aerobic capacity tests and in one of nine anthropometric measures relative to age-matched percentile scores. The relative performance of the children improved significantly for five of the remaining eight anthropometric measures, alactic anaerobic capacity, strength, and muscular endurance. It is recommended that where multi-dimensional programs aim to increase aerobic capacity along with motor skills, the program content should ensure adequate exercise intensity and duration; and that motor skills are undertaken which are complimentary to rather than detrimental to aerobic capacity. Verf.-Referat