Physical fitness: a comparative study between students of residential (Sainik) and non-residential schools (aged 12-14 years).

Physical Fitness Index (PFI), of fifty Residential (Sainik) School children (Mean +/- SD, 13.18 +/- 0.48 yrs) and forty four Non-Residential school children (Mean +/- SD, 13.15 +/- 0.66 yrs) of Bijapur, Karnataka, was assessed by Harvard Step Test. Their height (cm), weight (kg), chest circumference (cm), and mid arm circumference (cm) were recorded as physical anthropometry. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated (kg/m2). Results indicated that Non-Residential School children had poor physical anthropometry and showed a less PFI score (Mean +/- SD, 60.56 +/- 13.49), as compared to Residential (Sainik) School children (Mean +/- SD, 85.7 +/- 16.91). Regular physical activity with uniform diet and better physical composition attributed higher physical fitness in the children of Residential (Sainik) school in comparison to their sedentary Non-Residential counter part.