Statistics Canada says aerobic fitness in boys decreased between 2016 and 2019 while girls became stronger. Aerobic fitness reflects a person’s ability to perform physical activity and is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease. It’s also associated with a lower risk of anxiety, mood, self-esteem, and depression disorders, in youth specifically. Overall, 31 per cent of 8 to 14 years olds involved in the study were categorized as having a “needs improvement” aerobic fitness level from 2016 to 2019. It had been 23 per cent from 2007 to 2011. 41 per cent were in the “fair” category. “Good to very good” went from 49 per cent in 2007 to 2011 to 37 per cent in the latest study. The aerobic fitness level among girls was steady over the same time period.

Low hand grip strength is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The grip strength for boys has remained fairly stable but it has improved for girls aged 6 to 14.