Abstract:
Decreasing tendencies of physical activity among adolescent girls are indicated as contributing to
increased health risks in this age group. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a 10
week aerobic-based exercise programme performed twice a week, with a 30 minutes duration and
an intensity level of 55 – 70% heart rate max would improve aerobic endurance, muscular
strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition of 10 – 15 year-old girls living in
a farming community. The study involved girls (N=38) from two schools, living on nearby
farms in the North West Province. Twenty subjects (n=20) participated in the aerobic-based
programme, while eighteen (n=18) served as a control group. The FITNESSGRAMM assessed
physical fitness while ACTICAL activity monitors were used to analyse the physical activity
intensity level of the group. Co-variance analysis (p < 0.05) showed significant group
differences, indicating improvement in aerobic endurance, muscular strength and muscular
endurance and improved tone as measured by the triceps skinfold after participating in the
aerobic-based exercise programme. It is concluded that an aerobic-based exercise programme,
conducted in a playful and enjoyable manner and according to guidelines set for health
enhancement, can improve aerobic endurance, leading to increased physical activity among girls in their teenage years.