Abstract
[Purpose] We examined the appropriate physical fitness level related to lifestyle and motor ability for kindergarten children. [Method] The subjects were 152 kindergarten children. The measurement items were physical activity (7 days) which was measured by pedometer, a fitness test (9 items), and a lifestyle questionnaire. [Results] The weekday average walking steps were 11,482±4,065 steps in a day (Boys : 12,354±4,308, Girls : 10,742±3,693), and half of the daily steps were counted during kindergarten activities in a day. The kindergarten children who have good lifestyles walked 12,531−13,558 steps in a day. The motor ability of the kindergarten children who had taken more than 13,000 steps daily was significantly better than that of other children. However, we should pay attention to the difference of the average steps of each school year because the result of the analysis of covariance for school year was not significant. The motor ability of the kindergarten children who had taken more than 6,500 steps after kindergarten activity was also significantly better. [Discussion] The results suggested that more than 13,000 steps daily, and more than 6,500 steps taken after kindergarten activity, constitute an appropriate level of physical activity for kindergarten children.
