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Differences Between Health- and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Profiles of Kenyan Children from Urban and Rural Areas: The Kenya-LINX Project

Author

Listed:
  • Stanley Kagunda Kinuthia

    (Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi P.O. Box 43844-00100, Kenya)

  • Gareth Stratton

    (Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK)

  • Lucy Joy Wachira

    (Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi P.O. Box 43844-00100, Kenya)

  • Victor Okoth

    (Department of Environmental Science and Education, Kenyatta University, Nairobi P.O. Box 43844-00100, Kenya)

  • George Evans Owino

    (African Population and Health Research Centre, Kitisuru, Manga Close, Kirawa Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 10787-00100, Kenya)

  • Sophie Ochola

    (Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi P.O. Box 43844-00100, Kenya)

  • Amie Bethan Richards

    (Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK)

  • Festus Kiplamai

    (Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi P.O. Box 43844-00100, Kenya)

  • Vincent Onywera

    (Division of Research, Innovation and Outreach, KCA University, Nairobi P.O. Box 56808-00200, Kenya)

  • Nils Swindell

    (Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK)

Abstract

Physical fitness is a key indicator of children’s health, yet amidst rising inactivity and obesity, data on Kenyan children are scarce. This study assessed health- and skill-related fitness differences between rural and urban Kenyan children while examining demographic influences. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), BMI, strength, flexibility, speed, agility, and coordination were assessed in 1131 children aged 11.07 ± 0.9 years (52.7% girls) recruited using stratified cluster random sampling. Significant rural–urban disparities were observed. In urban areas, 16.6% were overweight and 2.8% obese, compared to 4% and 0.6% in rural areas ( p < 0.001). Conversely, 44.5% of the rural cohort were underweight versus 13.7% urban cohort ( p < 0.001). Multivariable regression revealed that rural children demonstrated superior CRF (β = −4.68 laps, p < 0.001) and lower back flexibility (β = −2.77 cm, p < 0.001), while urban children excelled in speed and coordination (β = 3.68 bounces, p < 0.001) and grip strength (β = 2.16 kg, p < 0.001). Boys outperformed girls in explosive leg power (β = −6.75 cm, p < 0.001) and CRF (β = −6.92 laps, p < 0.001). These findings highlight fitness inequities among Kenyan children, emphasising the need for equitable, targeted, and inclusive physical activity opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Stanley Kagunda Kinuthia & Gareth Stratton & Lucy Joy Wachira & Victor Okoth & George Evans Owino & Sophie Ochola & Amie Bethan Richards & Festus Kiplamai & Vincent Onywera & Nils Swindell, 2025. "Differences Between Health- and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Profiles of Kenyan Children from Urban and Rural Areas: The Kenya-LINX Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:542-:d:1626565
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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