Press Association
Saturday 11th February 2012
Schoolchildren could face annual fitness tests under plans laid out by the Government's chief medical officer.
Sir Liam Donaldson wants pupils to undergo "bleep tests" - similar to schemes already running in California and Texas - to help increase fitness levels.
The checks would reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, keep weight in check and improve mental health, he said.
Parents would be sent letters detailing their child's fitness with the aim of getting families involved in improving health.
Around the world, physical fitness among children is declining by 4.3% per decade. In England, the rate of decline is 7% to 9%, regardless of obesity levels.
Research shows that being unfit but having a normal weight is worse for overall health than being "fat and fit".
The bleep test involves running between two markers laid out 20 metres apart. The child must run from one marker to the other before a beep sounds.
As the test progresses, the beeps become quicker and the runner has to increase speed to keep up. The number of runs performed in a specific time can then be used to calculate fitness.
Current Government recommendations are for school-age children to be active for 60 minutes at a moderate intensity every day.
In his 2009 annual report, Sir Liam said annual bleep tests could help youngsters develop healthy habits for the rest of their lives.
