Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to study the dynamics of aerobic work capacity in children aged from 4 to 10 years and to examine the associations between their physical activity (PA) and aerobic capacity, expressed as VO2max. The latter was measured directly in 77 children during an incremental treadmill running. Parents and teachers rated the PA of children (by a questionnaire method) which served to classify children into two groups: physically active and less active ones. The involvement or non-involvement of the children in community-based physical training groups and dancing classes was also considered. Boys and girls were divided into 3 age groups each: 4-6, 7-8 and 9-10 years. Absolute values of VO2max increased significantly with age both in boys and girls, except youngest girls. Relative VO2max was highest in 9-10 year-old boys (58.8+/-4.9 ml/min/kg) and significantly different from both younger groups of boys and from youngest and oldest groups of girls (about 51 ml/min/kg). Lowest values were found in 7-8 year-old girls (44.8+/-5.2 ml/min/kg). Children who were classified by the teacher as more active had significantly higher relative VO2max values than the less active ones (52.4+/-6.2 and 48.1+/-6.9, respectively, P<0.01). No difference was found, however, when the classification was based on parents ratings. It can be concluded that for a general evaluation of fitness-related PA in preadolescent children, the opinion of their teachers can be regarded as more valuable than that of their parents. The assessment of physical fitness based on interviewing about the engagement in community-based physical activities is insufficient in 4 to 10 year-old children. Verf.-Referat