Comparison of physical fitness of Kirgiz students in 2005 and 2014 in Xinjiang

Objective To investigate changes in physical fitness among Kirgiz primary and secondary school students in Xinjiang during 2005 to 2014.Methods Data came from Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health,Xinjiang area in 2005 and 2014.Physical fitness of 5 696 primary and secondary school students aged 7-18 years was analyzed and compared.Results Compared with 2005,speed,endurance and explosive power of Kirgiz boys in 2014 increased by 0.15 s,4.13 s and 11.40 cm,respectively,while the performance on pull-ups decreased to 6.36.The explosive power and strength of Kirgiz girls increased by 7.02 cm and 2.87 times/min,while speed and endurance decreased to 0.06 s and 5.81 s,respectively.All the differences were of statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Specific targeted initiatives may be required to increase physical fitness among Kirgiz students and to narrow the gap across them with national average level.