Energy Expenditure and Intensity Levels of Horizontal Climbing in Prepubescent Children

Cyrus W. Darling III^1, , Kirk E. Mathias², Charilaos Papadopoulos³, James DePaepe⁴ and Buddy R. Woodman⁵

¹Northshore School District, Seattle Washington

²Department of Physical Education, School Health and Movement Studies, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926

³School of Education and Kinesiology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA 98447

⁴Health Sciences, Central Washington University, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926

⁵Kittitas Schools, Kittitas, Washington 98926

Cite this paper:
Cyrus W. Darling III, Kirk E. Mathias, Charilaos Papadopoulos, James DePaepe and Buddy R. Woodman. Energy Expenditure and Intensity Levels of Horizontal Climbing in Prepubescent Children. Journal of Physical Activity Research. 2017; 2(1):39-43. doi: 10.12691/jpar-2-1-7

Abstract

According to the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 75% of American youth do not participate in moderate to vigorus activity for 60 minutes a day. The 25% that do participate in rigous activity report: basketball, running and football for boys; and running, walking and basketball for girls. In order to increase participation rates different activity choices need to be offered to youth. Therefore, this study examined the energy expenditure and intensity levels of horizontal climbing in prepubescent children. Fifty-one children (males = 23, females = 28) aged 6-10 from a rural elementary school in Washington State participated in this study. Data were collected using an Actigraph GT3X triaxial accelerometer. The overall mean MET value was 10.6 (±1.4) as determined by the sum of all three axes. The collected data revealed that traverse climbing in children aged 6-10 is a vigorous intensive activity. It is recommended that climbing should be included as an effective alternative physical activity to help children meet the daily-recommended minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Keywords:
climbing energy expenditure intensity levels elementary physical education

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