Introduction: A reference profile for physical characteristics of young Chinese adolescents is an important step for the training of future athletes. The monitoring of various physical performance variables is one such approach that can assist in this development. The aim of this study was to monitor various physical performance characteristics for primary school children. Methods The various measures that were used to create indices included height, weight and chest circumference (referred to as the index body shape). The index `body function` measured heart rate, blood pressure and vital capacity. The index for `sports performance` measured standing long jump, back extension duration, chin-ups, 50m sprint and a 100m swim. The index `physiological components` measured body composition and bone density. The abovementioned variables were measured twice a year (April and September) over a two year period (2005 and 2006). Three different year levels of school children were monitored (grade 4; n=72, grade 5; n=97 and grade 6; n=92). Standard analytical processes were used and the data was statistically analysed by using SPSS v14. Discussion / Conclusions A reference file for all the physical characteristics that were measured was established. Whilst there was not statistically significant differences between the various physiological variables across the various monitoring times and school levels, a number of interesting variables were apparent. Body composition percentages decreased as the target population increased in age. Bone density increased as age increased, while blood pressure remained relatively constant. This information could provide useful information to the Chinese sport science community on the changes to basic physiological measures for growing adolescents. Furthermore, this baseline dataset in conjunction with more applied measures of physical performance could lead to the improvements in training for this population group.
© Copyright 2008 2008 International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport: Proceedings, Vol. III. Published by People´s Sports Publishing House. All rights reserved.