Assessment of Physical Fitness Levels Using the Harvard Step Test Among Senior Secondary School Students in Zaria, Kaduna State

Physical fitness monitoring in adolescents is a critical public health tool for identifying early risks of inactivity-related diseases. This study assessed physical fitness levels among senior secondary school students in Zaria, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, using the Harvard Step Test. Two hundred students aged 14 to 18 years were recruited from five secondary schools through multistage sampling. The Harvard Step Test protocol was administered using a 45-centimetre bench, and the Physical Fitness Index was derived from post-exercise recovery heart rate measurements at standardised time intervals. Body mass index and self-reported physical activity were also assessed. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation. Results showed that only 38 percent of participants achieved a good or excellent Physical Fitness Index classification. Male students had significantly higher fitness scores than females. Students who participated in organised sports had markedly better fitness outcomes. Overweight and obese participants demonstrated the lowest fitness classifications. A significant inverse relationship was observed between body mass index and Physical Fitness Index scores. The study concludes that physical fitness levels are suboptimal among many secondary school students in Zaria and recommends the reinstatement and enhancement of physical education programmes in schools. Structured extracurricular sports activities are also advocated. Keywords: Harvard Step Test, physical fitness, adolescents, body mass index, Zaria.