Today's kids can't run like their parents could, study finds

[TexasTowelie]

Today’s kids can’t keep up with their parents. An analysis of studies on millions of children around the world finds they don’t run as fast or as far as their parents did when they were young.

On average, it takes children 90 seconds longer to run a mile than their counterparts did 30 years ago. Heart-related fitness has declined 5 percent per decade since 1975 for children ages 9 to 17.

The American Heart Association, whose conference featured the research on Tuesday, says it’s the first to show that children’s fitness has declined worldwide over the last three decades.

“It makes sense. We have kids that are less active than before,” said Dr. Stephen Daniels, a University of Colorado pediatrician and spokesman for the heart association.

More at http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/health-and-fitness/fitness/20131119-today-s-kids-can-t-run-like-their-parents-could-study-finds.ece .

[aristocles]

1. Except I suspect

For kids who run track, play basketball, tennis, racket ball, football, soccer, baseball, field hockey, hockey, do gymnastics, cheer leading, swimming, diving, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing...even golf.

Get my point?

[DreamGypsy]

2. Here's is the abstract from the presentation by Grant Tomkinson at the AMA conference ...

from the conference website:

Presentation: 13498 - Global Changes in Cardiovascular Endurance of Children and Youth Since 1964: Systematic Analysis of 25 Million Fitness Test Results from 28 Countries

Authors: Grant R Tomkinson, Madison Annandale, Katia Ferrar, Univ of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia

Abstract: Introduction: Cardiovascular endurance is considered to be an important marker of current health and even a predictor of future health.

Aim/hypothesis: This study aimed to systematically analyze the available scientific information on time changes in maximal long-distance running performance (a widely and long-used marker of cardiovascular endurance) of children and youth. We hypothesized that cardiovascular endurance performance has declined in recent decades.

Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was undertaken to locate studies reporting on time changes in maximal long-distance running performance of apparently healthy (free from known disease or injury) children and youth aged 9-17 years. Studies were located up to January 2013 via computerized searching of bibliographical databases, reference list searching and personal communication with international experts. Time changes were analyzed at the study by country by sex by age by test level using best-fitting linear or polynomial regression models relating the year of testing to long-distance running performances expressed as average running speeds. Changes in means were expressed as percent changes and as standardized effect sizes.

Results: Fifty studies reporting time changes in cardiovascular endurance performance of more than 25 million 9-17 year olds from 28 countries over the period 1964-2010 were included. Overall, there has been a large decline (mean ±95% confidence interval) in cardiovascular endurance performance equivalent to about -14 ±1% or -1.0 ±0.1 standard deviations. Time-related declines were similar for boys and girls, children and youth, and different geographical regions, but were variable between countries.

Conclusions: There is overwhelming evidence for substantial global declines in cardiovascular endurance performance of children and youth in recent decades. Time-related declines in cardiovascular endurance performance are probably caused by a network of social, behavioral, physical, psychosocial and physiological factors. These declines highlight the need for regular surveillance of child and youth health-related fitness and proactive public health strategies.

The 14% decline result I highlighted above, combined with the statement in the Dallas News article,

On average, it takes children 90 seconds longer to run a mile than their counterparts did 30 years ago. Heart-related fitness has declined 5 percent per decade since 1975 for children ages 9 to 17.

suggests that cardiovascular endurance performance may have improved from 1964 to 1974, then declined for the subsequent 4 decades.

Just for a point of interest I look up the USA Track & Field records for 10 to 17 year olds in the 1500 meter and the 3000 meter runs:

9 - 10 Boys
1,500 m 4:43.70 Robert Amick Indianapolis, IN 2005-Jul-31

9 - 10 Girls
1,500 m 4:50.97 Daesha Rogers Miami Dade Park & Recreation Ypsilanti, MI 2009-Jul-05

11 - 12 Boys
1,500 m 4:22.05 Coleman Mitchell Triangle TC Baltimore, MD 2012-Jul-29
3,000 m 9:38.52 Chris Dominic Seattle, WA 1998-Aug-01

11 - 12 Girls
1,500 m 4:41.62 Claudia Francis Indianapolis, FL 2005-Jul-30
3,000 m 10:03.54 Heather Burroughs Walnut, CA 1988-Jun-29

13 - 14 Boys
1,500 m 4:04.72 Jason Lienau Eugene, OR 1983-Jul-10
3,000 m 8:56.93 Phillip Rocha So Cal Roadrunners Pasadena, CA 2012-May-19

13 - 14 Girls
1,500 m 4:28:61 Jordan Hasay San Luis Distance Indianapolis, IN 2005-Jul-31
3,000 m 9:35.12 Jordan Hasay San Luis Distance Indianapolis, IN 2005-Jul-30

15 - 16 Boys
1,500 m 3:54.02 Nathan Mathabane Walnut, CA 2007-Jul-29
3,000 m 8:27.00 Billy Harper Cambridge, MA 1993-Jul-23

15 - 16 Girls
1,500 m 4:25.57 Suzy Favor Baton Rouge, LA 1984-Jul-22
3,000 m 9:37.09 Caitlin Lane Indianapolis, IN 2005-Jul-30

17 - 18 Men
1,500 m 3:51.21 John Quade Uniondale, NY 1985-Jul-07
3,000 m 8:41.25 Jacob Smith UNA Wichita, KS 2011-Jul-28

17 - 18 Women
1,500 m 4:26.39 Cecilia Hopp Lincoln, NE 1981-Aug-02
3,000 m 9:37.24 Dana Boyle Seattle, WA 1998-Jul-30

An interesting mix of some long-standing records and some recent great performances. Not every child is getting slower.

Thanks for the post, TT