Status of Physical Fitness Index (Pfi %) and Anthropometric Parameters in Residential School Children Compared to Nonresidential School Children

Background: Physical fitness is the prime criterion for survival, to achieve any goal and to lead a healthy life. Effect of exercise to have a good physical fitness is well known since ancient Vedas. Physical fitness can be recorded by cardiopulmonary efficiency test like Physical Fitness Index (PFI %) which is a powerful indicator of cardiopulmonary efficiency. Regular exercise increases PFI by increasing oxygen consumption. Residential school children are exposed to regular exercise and nutritious food under the guidance. Aims and Objectives: Our study is aimed to compare the physical fitness index status and anthropometric parameters in Residential Sainik (n=100) school children compared to Non-Residential (n=100) school children (aged between 12-16 years) of Bijapur. Material and Methods: PFI was measured by Harvard Step Test [1]. The Anthropometrical parameters like Height (cms), Weight (Kg), Body Surface Area (BSA in sq.mts), Body Mass Index (BMI in Kg/m2), Mid Arm Circumference (cms), Chest Circumference (cms) and Abdominal Circumference (cms) were recorded. Results: Mean score of PFI(%), Height(cms), Weight(Kg), BSA(sq.mts), BMI(Kg/m2), Mid Arm Circumference(cms), Chest Circumference (cms) and Abdominal Circumference (cms) were significantly higher (p=0.000) in Residential school children compared to Non Residential school children. In conclusion regular ex-ercise and nutritious diet under the guidance increases the physical fitness and growth in growing children