By Ryan Jaslow, CBS NEWS
If today’s kids were to race their parents when they were children, chances are their parents would win, according to new research.
kids running
Researchers analyzed 50 fitness studies that were conducted between 1964 and 2010, and found today’s kids run slower and have less endurance than their past counterparts.
The 50 studies included fitness results on more than 25 million kids from 28 countries. Researchers specifically looked at results that could predict the kids’ cardiovascular endurance, namely how far they could run in a set time or how long it took to run a set distance.
They note kids can be fit in plenty of ways like if they’re flexible gymnasts or strong weightlifters, but the ability to run multiple laps and sustain vigorous exercise is what’s most important for cardiovascular fitness.
The researchers found kids’ cardiovascular fitness declined around the globe by 5 percent every decade since 1975. In a mile run, kids are about a full minute and a half slower than children were 30 years ago.
Overall, kids were determined to be 15 percent less fit than their parents were as children.
In the United States alone, kids endurance levels fell by an average of 6 percent each decade between 1970 and 2000.
Researchers warn these generational declines in running fitness may suggest today’s children and adolescents may grow into unhealthier adults at risk for heart problems.
Read the full story by Ryan Jaslow, CBS NEWS.
