Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Chinese communities have a tight knit culture with similar culture practices such as lifestyle choices which have a direct impact on health and fitness level.
PURPOSE: To investigate the health components of adolescents in Shanghai and Taipei.
METHOD: A total of 3207 adolescents were recruited for the study from Shanghai (N = 1588) and Taipei (N = 1619). All adolescents had their percentage body fat (%BF) taken by a bio-impedance analysis machine. The health status, muscle strength and flexibility were measured with a handgrip strength test (HGST), one-minute sit-up test (SUT) and a single-leg flexibility test (SLFT) respectively. The HGST was taken three times per arm in alternate turns. The best result of each side was taken and summed for analysis. Adolescents had to complete as many repetitions of sit-ups within one minute for the SUT. The SLFT was taken thrice on each side consecutively and the best score was used for analysis. Their cardiovascular fitness was measured by a 15m Youth Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test. Adolescents were paired up for the PACER test, with one as the runner and another as the marker. Runners had to run back and forth 15m according to the frequency of the beep. Adolescents need to reach the 15m mark before the beep. Each unsuccessful attempt is indicated on the PACER test results slip. The test ceased upon the third unsuccessful run.
RESULTS: Significant differences were identified between both countries for %BF (Shanghai: 22.22 ± 9.64 %, Taipei: 23.29 ± 10.30 %, p = 0.03), SUT (Shanghai: 36.21 ± 9.25 count, Taipei: 33.03 ± 9.71 count, p = 0.00), flexibility [left side] (Shanghai: 54.59 ± 9.95 cm, Taipei: 51.36 ± 11.52 cm, p = 0.00), flexibility [right side] (Shanghai: 55.30 ± 9.91 cm, Taipei: 52.18 ± 11.51 cm, p = 0.00), HGST (Shanghai: 55.23 ± 14.08 kg, Taipei: 50.86 ± 14.66kg, p =0.00) and cardiovascular fitness (Shanghai: 40.12 ± 16.04 laps, Taipei: 37.75 ± 18.87 laps, p = 0.00).
CONCLUSION: Shanghai’s adolescents had significantly higher scores than Taipei’s in all health components. Though both countries may have similar lifestyle choices, Shanghai’s adolescents may have higher energy expenditure with a healthier diet than Taiwan’s adolescents. Both countries’ adolescents should continue with regular physical activity to maintain their health.
Copyright © 2020 by the American College of Sports Medicine
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