Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Youth

Published: July 20, 2020

A group of children running
  • This statement advanced understanding of Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) as an important marker of physical and mental health and academic achievement in youth.
  • CRF refers to the capacity of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to skeletal muscle mitochondria for the energy production needed during physical activity.
  • Optimal CRF is currently met by only 40 percent of US youth; incorporating CRF measurements periodically in all youth can help identify those at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease.