A Novel Monitoring System (AUT FIT) for Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness in Primary School Children in Austria: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Monitoring of anthropometric and physical fitness parameters in primary school children is important for the prevention of future health problems. Many of the existing test batteries that are useful for monitoring require expensive test materials, specialized test administrators, and a lot of space. This limits the usefulness of such tests for widespread use. The aim of this pilot study was to design and evaluate monitoring tools for anthropometrics and physical fitness tests in primary schools, called AUT FIT. The test battery consists of height, weight, and waist circumference measurement and eight fitness tests (6 min run, V sit-and-reach, jumping sideways, standing long jump, medicine ball throw, 4 x 10 m shuttle run, ruler drop, single leg stand). Data of 821 children aged 7 to 10 years were gathered. Most AUT FIT tests showed excellent test-retest and interrater reliability and were easy to implement. Criterion-related validity was evident by a strong correlation between physical education teacher rankings and rank scores for motor fitness. Nationwide implementation in the Austrian school system could be an important component for monitoring and improving the health and fitness of primary school children.

Automated summary

Monitoring anthropometric and physical fitness parameters in primary school children is important for preventing future health problems. This study designed and evaluated a monitoring tool called AUT FIT, consisting of measurements for height, weight, waist circumference, and eight fitness tests. Data from 821 children showed good reliability and ease of implementation for most tests. Strong correlation between physical education teacher rankings and rank scores for motor fitness indicated the tool's validity. Implementing AUT FIT in the Austrian school system could be crucial for monitoring and improving the health and fitness of primary school children.