Cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index of Nigerian youth: A FitnessGram-based assessment

BACKGROUND: The global decline in youth physical fitness and the concurrent rise in overweight and obesity have led to an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, with low-income and middle-income countries disproportionately affected. AIM: To determine the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) achievement rates of Nigerian children and adolescents on the 20-meter shuttle run test and body mass index (BMI) using the FitnessGram criterion-referenced health standards. METHODS: = 1703)], aged 9-16 years, from Benue State, Nigeria. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed using the FitnessGram 20-meter shuttle run test, and converted to aerobic capacity (AC) values, while BMI served as a proxy for body fat. Sex and age differences in CRF and BMI were examined using factorial analysis of covariance. Participants' HFZ achievement rates were determined based on FitnessGram standards. RESULTS: The Healthy Fitness Zone achievement rates for AC were 82.7% for males and 78.7% for females. Younger children (9-11 years) exhibited higher compliance with CRF standards than older adolescents, a trend consistent across both sexes. Males consistently outperformed females in CRF. Regarding BMI, both sexes showed high achievement rates - 94.5% for males and 96.9% for females. Compared to Hungarian, European and American youth, Nigerian children and adolescents outperformed their international counterparts. In terms of BMI, Nigerian youth of both sexes outperformed their international peers. CONCLUSION: Based on FitnessGram standards, Nigerian youth demonstrated favorable AC and body composition relative to international peers. Nevertheless, there were sex and age disparities in AC, with adolescent females and older males at greater risk of falling below health standards. Interventions promoting regular endurance-based physical activity are urgently needed to mitigate future cardiovascular disease risks.