| The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not differences in the performance on the components of health related fitness existed between two socioeconomic groups of fifth grade children. A secondary purpose was to determine if there were differences between the fifth grade male and female health related fitness levels. The specific socioeconomic groups were labeled as low socioeconomic (free lunch) and high socioeconomic (regular lunch) children. The components of health related fitness under the study included cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength fitness, muscular endurance fitness, body composition fitness, and flexibility fitness.;A descriptive, quantitative design was used. The study involved 200 fifth grade males and females from two Title I schools that had the highest percentage of free meals, and two non Title schools that had the lowest percentage of free meals. The National School Lunch Program/School breakfast program was used to assign the subjects to the low socioeconomic group (free lunch program) or the high socioeconomic group (regular lunch program). The subjects received one session of instruction, and two sessions on assessment. The instrument used for health related fitness testing was the Fitnessgram test. The components of the test included (1) progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER), (2) skinfold measurement, (3) cadence curl-ups, (4) cadence push ups, (5) trunk lift, and (6) back-saver sit and reach. The subjects participated in a three day Fitnessgram Assessment Program.;2 x 2 Analysis of Variance was used to determine significant differences (p ;The conclusions of the study show that low socioeconomic female elementary children may be less fit than the rest of the population. Socioeconomic levels do not affect flexibility, body composition, abdominal or upper body strength and endurance. Cardiorespiratory fitness activity and upper body strength activity need to be emphasized with females. Flexibility exercises need to be emphasized with males. In order to develop a child's fitness level, a well balanced health related fitness program must be provided for all children. More studies need to be conducted on fitness levels of elementary children. |
