Comparing the Components of Children's Physical Fitness in Relation to the Role of Air Pollution in Tehran, Iran

The aim of this study was to compare the components of children's physical fitness in relation to the role of air pollution in Tehran, Iran. The research method was a causal-comparative study. To achieve the research goals, 80 students of elementary school in fourth grade (10.3 ± 0.1) in Tehran, Iran were selected through available sampling. In the research phase, the researcher referred to Tehran Quality Control System, and based on the average of pollutant indicators in the past month, two Districts of Tehran, Iran were selected; District  1 (Aghdasiyeh) as the least infectious and District 20 (Rey) as contaminated. Then, the arrangement was performed to carry out physical fitness tests. The data was collected in two days. On the first day, participants performed physical fitness tests at Negin Shahr Rey Club and on the second day at the Royal Club in Aghdasiyeh district. Data was analyzed by independent t-test. The results showed that there was a significant difference between speed and agility components in two Districts 1 and 20, while there were no significant differences between power and flexibility components. Comparison of means indicated that children in area 1 had better performance than District 20. According to the results, it is suggested that the high amount of air pollution prevent children from engaging in physical activity and consider physical education teachers to take on activities that require less energy requirements.