Researchers at the University of South Australia used running speed as a simple proxy for aerobic fitness, because it measures cardiovascular health and endurance. Aerobically fit adults are much less likely to have heart attacks and strokes, and children who are aerobically fit are more likely to be fit as adults.
The researchers analyzed 50 studies that included 25 million children ages 9 to 17, in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Children's speed started dropping in the 1970s, and kids have continued to become more snail-like ever since. The research shows that increased weight explains 30 to 70 percent of the declines in children's aerobic fitness. Lower levels of physical activity, both in organized sports and at play, account for a lot of the rest.
Children are much less likely to walk or bike to school than they were in the 1970's, at least in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Neighborhoods are increasingly suburban and people are driving more.
However, it's not just the kids that we should be concerned about. Research has also shown that adult aerobic fitness has been falling at pretty much the same rate as children!
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
