Fitness testing in two high school physical education programs

The purpose of this study was to compare health-related physical fitness of high school students in two schools that have different physical education programs. Argyle Academy has physical education 6 classes out of 7 days, and Riverside Park Academy has 3 classes out of 7 days. These two high schools are similar (e.g., size, geographical location, common feeder schools, and social economic status) and affiliated with the same school board. Students in the seventh, eighth, and tenth grade physical education classes were selected for testing in each school. Data from 102 students from Argyle Academy and 96 students from Riverside Park Academy were collected during an eight week period. Health-related physical fitness was assessed using the following test battery: sum of five skinfolds, waist to hip ratio, 20 m shuttle run, curl-ups, 90 degree push-ups, back saver sit and reach, and trunk lift. School group, gender, and grade comparisons were performed using a MANOVA procedure. The students from Argyle Academy demonstrated significantly better scores for the 20 m shuttle run and trunk lift, while those from Riverside Park Academy demonstrated significantly better scores for the curl-ups and 90 degree push-ups. There was no significant difference in the sum of five skinfolds, waist to hip ratio, and back saver sit and reach. This preliminary study has described and analyzed health-related physical fitness of students at two high schools. Recommendations for determining fitness levels of high school students are provided