Physical constitution among preschool children aged 3-6 years in Jiangxi Province

Objective To understand physical constitution among preschool children aged 3-6 years in Jiangxi province. Methods According to "National Physical Fitness Evaluation Standard Handbook(Children's Part) ", 5 500 children aged 3-6 years from 55 kindergartens in 11 municipal-level cities of Jiangxi province were selected and assessed. Descriptive analysis was conducted by using SPSS 20.0. Results Overall proportion of standard physical constitution among 3-6 years old children in Jiangxi was 83.6%, which was below the national average in 2014 (93.6%). Performance on in two feet jump test was higher than national level, with boys(4.8 to 8.6 s), and girls(5.1 to 8.8 s). Height, weight and performances in standing long jump and tennis ball throw was below the national average in 2014. Performance on 10-meter shuttle run test, walking on the balance beam and seated forward bands differed with the national average. Conclusion The overall health constitution among 3-6 years-old children in Jiangxi province is worrisome. Better performances are observed in physical coordination, flexibility and balance, while speed and upper /lower limb strength needs to be promoted.