Researchers from the University of Essex and London Metropolitan University have found that the measures of strength in children have fallen "dramatically" over the past decade.

A study published in the Acta Paediatrica journal has reported a 27 per cent decrease in the number of sit-ups that a 10-year-old person was able to perform. The research team also uncovered a 26 per cent fall in arm strength and a 7 per cent drop in handgrip strength, while one in ten could not support their own weight on a wall bar.

According to the researchers, however, the full extent of the decline in strength levels could be unknown. Dr Gavin Sandercock led the University of Essex's research team and said that many kids refused to try and hold their weight on the wall bar. "This is probably due to changes in physical activity patterns among English 10-year-olds such as taking part less in activities like rope climbing in PE and tree climbing for fun," he said.

Study author Daniel Cohen of London Metropolitan University added: "Our findings underline the importance of including the assessment of muscular fitness in recommendations for the monitoring of health-related fitness in children." Dean Horridge, founder and CEO of Fit For Sport, said: "We are urging families and schools to adopt an SAS (Simple, Achievable and Sustainable) approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle.

"Not only will this ensure that children can enjoy a wealth of physical activity, but it will also help to combat the nation's sedentary, 'weak' and obese younger generation." Image: imageegami/shutterstock.com