Background/Purpose . Aerobic capacity and its association with obesity remains a concern to physical educators. Aerobic capacity is important as it represents functional limits of the O2-delivery chain and is an indicator of cardiovascular health. Obesity is associated with reduced cardiovascular performance and is a precursor of serious diseases. Given the importance of children's cardiovascular health, and in light of secular trends related to height (leveled off), and weight (accelerating) current data is needed on aerobic capacity in children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine key predictors of aerobic capacity in children and youth.
Method . The design was cross-sectional and correlational. Children ages 9-19, enrolled in 19 public schools (N=2480) were tested on the Progressive Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) by state certified physical educators trained in fitness assessment. Procedures outlined in the FITNESSGRAM test manual were followed.
Analysis/Results . BMI and maturation offset were calculated for each child. Maturation offset was determined by separate regression equations for boys and girls. Performance on the PACER and controls (Age, Sex, BMI, & Maturation) were analyzed by Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). HLM is a type of regression that permits analysis of variables nested within categories. Controlling for age, sex, BMI, and maturation, each unit increase in BMI was associated with a 1.5 (lap) decline in PACER score (p<. 001). Applying similar controls, boys achieved PACER scores 4 laps higher than girls (p<. 001).
Conclusions . Including selected controls, children's PACER performance was explained to a considerable extent by BMI and sex.