Abstract

Physical fitness is defined as the ability to perform daily tasks with vigour and alertness without undue fatigue, as well as having enough energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits in order to deal with unusual situations and unexpected emergencies. Physical fitness is a prerequisite for all activities in our society. An individual's health-related physical fitness is primarily determined by lifestyle factors such as daily physical activity levels. Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength, and flexibility are the health-related components of physical fitness. In this study, we wanted to evaluate and compare the physical fitness index of residential school children with that of non-residential school children. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted among 100 residential and non-residential school boys aged 10 - 15 years who presented with PFI score and pulmonary function tests (PFT) to the Department of Physiology, JJM Medical College, Davangere, from January 2011 to August 2012, after obtaining clearance from Institutional Ethics Committee and written informed consent from the study participants. Results: Residential school boys showed significant increase in PFI score and PFT i.e. FVC, FEV1 and PEFR when compared to non-residential boys. Conclusion: Regular physical exercise and a nutritious balanced diet show beneficial effect on the health of residential school boys.

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