Maximal work capacity and dietary status of rural black South African schoolboys aged 10-14 years.
The anthropometric and physical characteristics, nutritional status, exercise habits and physiological response to maximal exercise of 22 rural black schoolboys aged 9.5 to 14.5 years, attending a local farm school on the outskirts of Johannesburg, were studied. Kilojoule intake ranged from 37% to 41% of the recommended daily allowance and percentage body fat was correspondingly low. Protein intake was, however, satisfactory and there was no evidence of stunted or wasted growth. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) ranged from 48.9 ml/kg/min to 50.6 ml/kg/min and 1.55 l/min to 2.01 l/min. Despite partially inadequate nutritional intakes and regular exposure to pollutants, the maximal work capacity of these subjects compares favourably with the age-related ranges of VO2 max reported by previous researchers. A possible adaptation to nutritional and environmental stress is suggested.
Badenhorst
M L
ML
Division of Physical Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Peters
E M
EM
Ash
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American; D000886:Anthropometry; D044383:Black People; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000502:physiology*; D012424:Rural Population; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D013019:South Africa; D014505:Urban Population; D014937:Work / Q000502:physiology*