Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study
Abstract Children’s physical fitness is a critical determinant of lifelong health, yet comprehensive investigations into its multi-level influencing factors remain limited, particularly in developing regions. Guided by the Ecological Model of Health Behavior, this cross-sectional study assessed the...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| author | Wance Wang Zhihao Huang Jiahao Gong Qianqian Li Guangwen Liu Renkai Ge |
| author_facet | Wance Wang Zhihao Huang Jiahao Gong Qianqian Li Guangwen Liu Renkai Ge |
| author_sort | Wance Wang |
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| description | Abstract Children’s physical fitness is a critical determinant of lifelong health, yet comprehensive investigations into its multi-level influencing factors remain limited, particularly in developing regions. Guided by the Ecological Model of Health Behavior, this cross-sectional study assessed the physical fitness status and associated determinants among 29,856 children aged 9–12 years in Shandong Province, China. Data were obtained from two primary sources: (1) standardized physical fitness assessments based on the National Physical Fitness Standards for Students of China (Revised 2014), and (2) validated questionnaires capturing individual behaviors, family environments, and lifestyle factors across multiple ecological levels. The physical fitness test qualification rate was adopted as the primary outcome indicator. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that parental support for physical activity (OR = 0.297, 95% CI: 0.266–0.332), moderate-intensity exercise (OR = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.763–0.997), daily breakfast consumption (OR = 0.765, 95% CI: 0.626–0.936), and adequate sleep (6–8 h/day, OR = 0.569, 95% CI: 0.499–0.649) were significant protective factors for physical fitness test qualification. In contrast, daily exposure to secondhand smoke (OR = 1.212, 95% CI: 1.078–1.362), prolonged screen time (> 3 h/day, OR = 1.712, 95% CI: 1.496–1.958), and excessive academic burden (> 3 h/day, OR = 1.294, 95% CI: 1.158–1.447) were associated with increased risks of non-compliance. These findings underscore the multi-layered influences of personal behaviors, family dynamics, and environmental contexts on children’s physical fitness, consistent with the socio-ecological framework. This study provides robust empirical evidence for the development of comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions targeting child health promotion in school-aged populations. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-a6f78a1b30f64554bacc2b4ce337aff52025-08-20T03:45:48ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-13319-2Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional studyWance Wang0Zhihao Huang1Jiahao Gong2Qianqian Li3Guangwen Liu4Renkai Ge5The School of Physical Education and Health, East China Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Big Data and Fundamental Sciences, Shandong Institute of Petroleum an d Chemical TechnologyShandong Leke Engineering Design Co., Ltd.Shandong University of Art and Design JinanThe School of Physical Education and Health, East China Jiaotong UniversityThe School of Physical Education and Health, East China Jiaotong UniversityAbstract Children’s physical fitness is a critical determinant of lifelong health, yet comprehensive investigations into its multi-level influencing factors remain limited, particularly in developing regions. Guided by the Ecological Model of Health Behavior, this cross-sectional study assessed the physical fitness status and associated determinants among 29,856 children aged 9–12 years in Shandong Province, China. Data were obtained from two primary sources: (1) standardized physical fitness assessments based on the National Physical Fitness Standards for Students of China (Revised 2014), and (2) validated questionnaires capturing individual behaviors, family environments, and lifestyle factors across multiple ecological levels. The physical fitness test qualification rate was adopted as the primary outcome indicator. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that parental support for physical activity (OR = 0.297, 95% CI: 0.266–0.332), moderate-intensity exercise (OR = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.763–0.997), daily breakfast consumption (OR = 0.765, 95% CI: 0.626–0.936), and adequate sleep (6–8 h/day, OR = 0.569, 95% CI: 0.499–0.649) were significant protective factors for physical fitness test qualification. In contrast, daily exposure to secondhand smoke (OR = 1.212, 95% CI: 1.078–1.362), prolonged screen time (> 3 h/day, OR = 1.712, 95% CI: 1.496–1.958), and excessive academic burden (> 3 h/day, OR = 1.294, 95% CI: 1.158–1.447) were associated with increased risks of non-compliance. These findings underscore the multi-layered influences of personal behaviors, family dynamics, and environmental contexts on children’s physical fitness, consistent with the socio-ecological framework. This study provides robust empirical evidence for the development of comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions targeting child health promotion in school-aged populations.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13319-2ChildrenPhysical fitnessInfluencing factors |
| spellingShingle | Wance Wang Zhihao Huang Jiahao Gong Qianqian Li Guangwen Liu Renkai Ge Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study Scientific Reports Children Physical fitness Influencing factors |
| title | Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study |
| title_full | Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study |
| title_fullStr | Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study |
| title_short | Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study |
| title_sort | physical fitness status and associated determinants among chinese children aged 9 12 years in shandong province a population based cross sectional study |
| topic | Children Physical fitness Influencing factors |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13319-2 |
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