Correlation between basic physical fitness and pulmonary function in Korean children and adolescents: a cross-sectional survey.
[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a correlation between basic physical fitness and pulmonary function in Korean school students, to present an alternative method for improving their pulmonary function. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred forty healthy students aged 6-17 years performed physical fitness tests of hand-grip strength, sit and reach, Sargent jump, single leg stance, and pulmonary function tests of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) using a Quark PFT. [Results] Muscle strength and power of boys improved in the late period of elementary school and middle school. Muscle strength of girls improved in the late period of elementary school. Analysis of factors affecting pulmonary function revealed that height, weight, BMI, and body fat significantly correlated with spirometric parameters. Right hand-grip strength, left hand-grip strength, and Sargent jump also significantly correlated with FVC and FEV1. [Conclusion] In order to improve the pulmonary function of children and adolescents, aerobic exercise and an exercise program to increase muscle strength and power is needed, and it should start in the late period of elementary school when muscle strength and power are rapidly increasing.
Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, Department of Physical Education, Dong-A University, Republic of Korea.
Ju Yong
JY
Bae
Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, Department of Physical Education, Dong-A University, Republic of Korea.
Ki Sung
KS
Jang
Department of Physical Education, Korea Air Force Academy, Republic of Korea.
Sunghwun
S
Kang
Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
Don Hee
DH
Han
Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Wonho
W
Yang
Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, Department of Physical Education, Dong-A University, Republic of Korea.
Ki Ok
KO
Shin
Basic physical fitness; Body composition; Pulmonary function