Mediation role of cardiorespiratory fitness on association of physical activity and physical literacy among 8–12 years old children: the PAK-IPPL cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe effect of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on the relationship of physical activity (PA), and physical literacy (PL) in 8–12 Pakistani children are largely unknown. Therefore, this study aims to examine the mediating role of CRF in the relationship between PA and PL in this demographic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 1,360 children aged 8–12 (mean age = 10.00, SD = 1.41 years) from 85 higher secondary schools in South Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected during the 2020–2021 academic year using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 (CAPL-2) protocol to assess physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and PL levels. CRF was measured using the PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) test. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) were used for age and sex-specific CAPL-2 scoring. Associations among components were evaluated through Pearson's correlation, multivariate logistic regression, and mediation analyses.ResultsThe study revealed that boys had significantly higher scores in CRF, PA, and PL across all age groups compared to girls (p < 0.001), with boys' scores being 20%, 10%, and 14% higher, respectively, than those of girls. Conversely, overweight children showed significantly reduced PA and PL levels (p < 0.001). An inverse correlation was found between BMI and CRF (r2 linear = 0.022; quadratic = 0.028). CRF scores had significant negative correlations BMI (r = −0.143) and positive associations with MVPA, PA, DB, and PL (r ranging from 0.241 to 0.624). CRF was observed to partially mediate the association between MVPA and PL. The direct impact of PA on PL was significant and meaningful (β = 0.002, p < .001). Additionally, the indirect effect of PA on PL through CRF was also significant (β = 0.001, p < .001), indicating that CRF serves as an important mediator in this relationship. The combined total effect of PA on PL, which includes both direct and mediated pathways, was robust and highly significant (β = 0.003, p < .001).ConclusionThe study revealed a strong positive correlation between CRF, PA, and PL, but a negative one with BMI in South Punjab children aged 8–12. Notably, CRF and PA emerged as significant predictors of PL levels in this population. Consequently, interventions that are both systematic and targeted towards improving these factors should be implemented as strategies to enhance children's PL levels and promote physically active behaviors

Development and cross-validation of LMS-based normative reference standards and health benefits zones for muscular strength among adolescents by age and sex

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and validate age- and sex-specific normative reference standards for muscular strength (MS) using the LMS (Lambda–Mu–Sigma) method and to establish Health Benefit Zones (HBZs) for Pakistani adolescents aged 12–16 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 2,970 adolescents (49.7% boys, 50.3% girls) selected through stratified random sampling from 60 public high schools across three divisions of South Punjab. Anthropometric indicators and muscular strength were measured following standardized protocols. Using the LMS, age- and sex-specific normative reference values and smoothed percentile curves (3rd, 10th, 35th, 50th, 65th, and 90th) were developed. Five Health Benefit Zones (Very Poor, Poor, Medium, Good, and Excellent) were derived from these percentile ranges to classify strength levels. The robustness of the generated standards was examined through internal cross-validation using a back-generation procedure to confirm high predictive accuracy.ResultsBoys demonstrated significantly higher muscular strength than girls across all ages (p < 0.001), with strength increasing progressively with age in both sexes. At age 16, median MS reached 35.47 kg for boys and 20.18 kg for girls. LMS-derived percentile reference values and percentile curves illustrated consistent age- and sex-related growth trends. Approximately 40% of participants fell within the “poor” or “very poor” HBZs. MAPE values remained below ±0.05, indicating excellent model fit. Compared to international benchmarks, adolescents from South Punjab exhibited lower MS values across corresponding age groups.ConclusionThis study provides the first LMS-based, age- and sex-specific normative reference standards and HBZs for muscular strength among Pakistani adolescents. These standards offer a population-relevant tool for fitness assessment, enable early identification of youth at risk of low muscular strength, and support targeted interventions to enhance strength development and overall physical health in school-aged populations

COMPERIOSN OF CARDI-VASCULAR ENDURANCE AND SPEED IN URBAN AND RURAL FEMALE STUDENTS OF BAHAUDDIN ZAKARIYA UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN

The study was under taken with the intension of comparing selected physical fitness component in urban and rural female students of BAHAUDDIN ZAKARIYA UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN prominent university in of south Punjab. The selected variables for this study were cardiovascular `endurance and speed. Total subject of 72 female students among them 36 from the urban area of south Punjab district Multan and 36 from the rural area of same district were selected from random sampling technique from the various department of the university. Descriptive Statistics and Independent ‘t’ test were employed using SPSS-19 software. Harvard Step Test and 60 Meter Sprint test were used to collect the required data. Findings show that the urban girls are good in endurance and speed from the rural students result of this findings are unique and shows that the cultural, social and religious differences have a great impact on the physical fitness of females in Pakistan

Establishment of health related physical fitness evaluation system for school adolescents aged 12–16 in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe decline in adolescent physical fitness is a significant global public health concern, and Pakistan is no exception. The country’s absence of a health-related physical fitness (HRPF) evaluation system has compounded this issue. To bridge this gap, this study aims to develop a scientifically-based HRPF evaluation system for the adolescent population that meets international standards. The evaluation system identifies at-risk children and improves adolescent health outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders, chronic diseases, and psychological illnesses, through crucial physical fitness evaluation. This study specifically aims to establish an HRPF evaluation system for school adolescents aged 12–16 in Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,970 school adolescents aged 12–16 years in the South Punjab, Pakistan. The study used a stratified sampling technique to select participants. The HRPF evaluation system included four components: cardiorespiratory endurance, core muscular endurance, muscular strength, and body composition. Data were collected through standardized tests and anthropometric measurements.ResultsThe study’s results indicated that the HRPF evaluation scoring system was feasible and valid for evaluating the HRPF of school adolescents in the South Punjab region of Pakistan. The results of the evaluation system categorized participants into five groups based on their performance: excellent (6.2%), good (24.9%), medium (50.7%), poor (17%), and very poor (1.2%).ConclusionThe study establishes an HRPF evaluation system for Pakistani school adolescents. This system lays the foundation for implementing effective strategies to improve their physical health. The findings offer valuable insights to policymakers, health professionals, and educators, enabling them to promote fitness and devise impactful interventions for enhancing HRPF in this population

Investigating the Alliance of the Pakistan Touch Ball Federation Constitution with Universal Good Governance Standards

  The framework for the Pakistan Touch Ball Federation’s (PTBF) management and governance is set out in their constitution. By looking at four critical dimensions— transparency, accountability, decision-making and solidarity. This research investigates how well a PTBF follows the ideals of good governance. This study sought to investigates the efficiency of the Constitution, highlight flaws and strengths, and give suggestions on how to enhance governance quality. Using a qualitative text analysis approach focusing on the core ideas, semiotic features, and structural elements of the Constitution, Thematic analysis was applied to find dimensions of governance, and the paper was examined for clarity, coherence, and methods supporting stakeholder involvement. Research also looks at the symbols' performance and schedule of the reflection of an administrative identity. Further analysis of the Constitution involves financial provisions, federation architectures, and its dedication to solidarity. Several risk elements in the PTBF legal process include financial oversight systems suggesting federation support and a dedication to financial transparency. Constitutional democracy is including participation in decisions as well as transparency and voting constraints. That said, good governance is mostly about transparency and decision-making. PTBF is urged to include regulations inside the constitution that strengthen transparency and accountability. Furthermore, errors, inconsistencies, and the lack of a qualified author damage its credibility. Finally, this study offers insights on how well the PTBF constitution lines with good governance ideals in sports. According to the research, the PTBF constitution highlights the need for developments in transparency and solidarity even as it shows strengths in democratic processes and financial accountability. Maintaining public trust and raising the PTBF's efficiency depend on developments in these fields. These results seek to direct the federation toward better governance practices and a more efficient constitution

Normative Reference Standard for Handgrip Strength among Adolescent Students in South Punjab Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The study provided the age and gender-specific normative standard by using LMS technique and comparison with international reference values for the muscular strength by hand grip among adolescents of South Punjab, Pakistan.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross sectional descriptive research design was adopted, 60 public high school with 2970 students aged 12-16 contributed. Hand grip strength was measured using (GRIPX Digital Hand Dynamometer). LMS method was used for calculating reference norms. Age and gender-specific smoothed percentile curves P5th to P95th were acquired for hand grip strength.&#x0D; Findings: The results revealed that the boys were higher in muscular strength than their counterparts, South Punjab’s adolescents were found lower in strength than the compared adolescents. Around 40% of the population is falling in the poor and very poor zone.&#x0D; Implications/Originality/Value: The current study presented the foremost age and gender specific hand grip strength percentile curves and provided the health benefit zones for the adolescent of South Punjab. </jats:p

COMPARISON OF CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE AND SPEED BETWEEN URBAN AND RURAL FEMALE STUDENTS OF BAHAUDDIN ZAKARIYA UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN

The purpose of the present study was to determine which group of female students urban/rural has better physical fitness performance in tests. Samples comprised of 72 females’ students (36 urban and 36 rural), this represented 10% of the population from each school of Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. Two physical Fitness components: speed and cardiovascular endurance were assessed using 60 Meters Speed test for speed and Harward Step Test for cardiovascular endurance. Descriptive Statistics examine the characteristics of the samples and Independent ‘t’ test was employed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software. The results indicated that urban girls’ performance was superior to the rural girls in speed (9.29Mean) and cardiovascular endurance (5.97Mean) in both physical fitness tests urban girls’ physical fitness level was higher. The findings of this study proved that the results of this study are unique and shows that urban girls have more physical fitness trend than urban girls, moreover it was also discovered for future studies that the cultural, social and living environment had a great impact on the physical fitness of females in Pakistan.</jats:p

Normative Reference Standard for Handgrip Strength among Adolescent Students in South Punjab Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The study provided the age and gender-specific normative standard by using LMS technique and comparison with international reference values for the muscular strength by hand grip among adolescents of South Punjab, Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross sectional descriptive research design was adopted, 60 public high school with 2970 students aged 12-16 contributed. Hand grip strength was measured using (GRIPX Digital Hand Dynamometer). LMS method was used for calculating reference norms. Age and gender-specific smoothed percentile curves P5th to P95th were acquired for hand grip strength. Findings: The results revealed that the boys were higher in muscular strength than their counterparts, South Punjab’s adolescents were found lower in strength than the compared adolescents. Around 40% of the population is falling in the poor and very poor zone. Implications/Originality/Value: The current study presented the foremost age and gender specific hand grip strength percentile curves and provided the health benefit zones for the adolescent of South Punjab.&nbsp

Assessment of physical literacy in 8- to 12-year-old Pakistani school children: reliability and cross-validation of the Canadian assessment of physical literacy-2 (CAPL-2) in South Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of physical inactivity, declining fitness, and rising childhood obesity highlight the importance of physical literacy (PL), as a foundational component for fostering lifelong health and active lifestyle. This recognition necessitates the development of effective tools for PL assessment that are applicable across diverse cultural landscapes. Aim This study aimed to translate the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 (CAPL-2) into Urdu and adapt it for the Pakistani cultural context, to assess PL among children aged 8–12 years in Pakistan. Method The Urdu version of CAPL-2 was administered among 1,360 children aged 8–12 from 87 higher secondary schools across three divisions in South Punjab province, Pakistan. Statistical analysis includes test-retest reliability and construct validity, employing confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the tool’s performance both overall and within specific subdomains. Results The Urdu version of CAPL-2 demonstrated strong content validity, with a Content Validity Ratio of 0.89. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor structure proposed by the original developers, evidenced by excellent model fit indices (GFI = 0.984, CFI = 0.979, TLI = 0.969, RMSEA = 0.041). High internal consistency was observed across all domains (α = 0.988 to 0.995), with significant correlations among most, excluding the Knowledge and Understanding domains. Notably, gender and age significantly influenced performance, with boys generally scoring higher than girls, with few exceptions. Conclusion This study marks a significant step in the cross-cultural adaptation of PL assessment tools, successfully validating the CAPL-2 Urdu version for the Pakistani context for the first time. The findings affirm the tool’s suitability for assessing PL among Pakistani children, evidencing its validity and reliability across the Pakistani population

Assessment of the Relationship between Body Weight Status and Physical Literacy in 8 to 12 Year Old Pakistani School Children: The PAK-IPPL Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Physical literacy (PL) is a multidimensional concept, since it fosters lifetime engagement in physical activities and reduces obesity; however, empirical evidence is lacking to support this association. This study first aimed to establish PL levels stratified by normal weight children and children with overweight and obesity. Furthermore, this study determined a correlation between PL domains and BMI by weight status among South Punjab school children. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1360 (Boys: 675 and Girls: 685) children aged 8 to 12, and was conducted using CAPL-2. T-tests and chi-square were used to determine the difference between categorical variables, with MANOVA used to compare weight statuses. Spearman correlation was employed to determine the correlation between variables; p r = 0.001 to 0.737), and the knowledge domain was inversely correlated with the motivation domain (r = −0.023). PL and domain scores were inversely correlated to BMI, except for the knowledge domain. (4) Conclusions: Children with normal weight tend to have higher PL and domain scores, while those with overweight or obesity tend to have lower scores. There was a positive relationship between normal weight and higher PL and domain scores, and an inverse relationship was observed between BMI and higher PL scores