Comparative Analysis of Aerobic Capacity among Preadolescent: A Cross-sectional Study in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Aerobic capacity, commonly evaluated through a person's maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max), serves as a vital measure of cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency. The study aims to compare the aerobic capacity of preadolescent indigenous population of Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study examined the aerobic capacity of preadolescents aged 8–12 years in Rivers State, Nigeria. A multi-stage proportionate random sampling method was used to recruit 400 healthy participants of Rivers State origin. The PACER test, a standardized tool from the FITNESSGRAM program, was employed to assess aerobic capacity, while BMI was measured using digital scales and stadiometers to support broader health profiling. Eligibility required parental or self-consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS software; the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis test was used. A significance level of p<0.05 was applied to determine statistical relevance. Results: 400 preadolescents aged 8 to 12 years participated in the study, with females comprising 59.8% of the sample. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference in aerobic capacity between males and females (p = 0.263), and the Kruskal-Wallis H test identified significant differences in aerobic capacity across age groups (p < .001). Post hoc analysis showed that 9-year-olds significantly differed from 11- and 12-year-olds and 8-year-olds differed from 11-year-olds. Conclusion: These findings suggest that while sex does not impact aerobic capacity, age significantly shapes cardiorespiratory fitness among preadolescents in Rivers State.