[First results of sportmedical examinations in children norm-values and influence of overweight on physical efficiency (author's transl)].

The individual physical efficiency was ascertained according to a method developed by RUTENFRANZ, where the criterion was taken as being the particular performance which resulted in a pulse rate of 170 beats per minute. This was termed the p.w.c. 170 (physical working capacity), and was measured on a bicycle ergometer, with increasing loading of 1, 2, and 3 watt per kilogram of body weight. During this loading the E.C.G. was watched telemetrically on an oscilloscope, and recorded each minute. The p.w.c. 170 was ascertained both graphically and arithmetically from the respective pulse rate in the 6th minute of each load level. Initially, twenty healthy children were tested, so as to arrive at normal values. The average reading for these children was about 5% below the normal values given by RUTENFRANZ. Subsequently, fifty five obese children were examined, so as to clarify the question as to whether there was a linear correlation between overweight and physical efficiency. Indeed, it was possible to establish a regression equation according to which each 10% of overweight lead to a decrease of physical efficiency of 5.8%. The results of further examinations will be reported in the next paper.