title: Progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run and body mass index among an ethnically diverse sample of 10-15-year-olds.
abstract: This study examined the cardiovascular fitness (CVF, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER], number of laps completed) and the prevalence of at risk of overweight (AR) and overweight (OW) among 10-15-year-olds (48% girls)from the following ethnic backgrounds: African American (n = 2,604), Asian-Pacific Islander (n = 3,888), Hispanic (n = 11,680); and White non-Hispanic (n = 16,352). Hierarchal multiple linear regression analysis, controlling for height and weight, with White non-Hispanics serving as the comparison group, revealed a limited number of significant differences among PACER performances, with no values exceeding +/- 4.43 laps. Odds ratios (OR) for being classified as AR or OW were significantly greater (p < .01) in African American (OR = 1.25, 1.65) and Hispanic (OR = 2.33, 2.28) boys and girls, respectively, and Asian boys (OR = 1.43). The results of this cross-sectional analysis indicated negligible differences in CVF among ethnic groups, while AR and OW were consistent with previous reports for ethnic populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-6406, USA. beetsm@onid.orst.edu
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Beets
authors.forename: Kenneth H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Pitetti
authors.forename: Bradley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Cardinal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015995:Prevalence; D012420:Running; D017678:Sex Distribution