Classification(s): Primary Prevention/Epidemiology

Introduction: Increased childhood obesity and diabetes is a national concern within the US and this has raised questions about the way in which school systems have traditionally structured physical education (PE) programs.

Purpose: This study investigated the feasibility of using the Polar TriFIT System as part of an initiative to assess the health-related fitness (HRF) of children participating in a middle and high school PE program.

Design: Measures of HRF (cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, and body composition) were assessed with the Polar TriFIT System in 4350 students aged 9-18 years (52% boys) from 20 schools in Fargo, North Dakota over a 2-year period (2004-2005).

Methods: TriFIT is a self-contained multi-station computerized assessment device with customized software designed to quantify and track measures of HRF and generate individual or group progress reports. In this preliminary analysis, height and weight were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI) scores.

Results: Nineteen percent of the boys and 9% of the girls were considered to be overweight according values determined by International Obesity Task Force.

Conclusions: The Polar Tri-FIT System appears to be a feasible method of effectively assessing measures of HRF in a time efficient manner during a school PE program. Further analysis of the data will provide a more comprehensive description of the levels HRF in this population. This method of assessment could assist school PE programs in the delivery of HRF interventions.