Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The East of England Healthy Hearts Study (EoEHHS) was an observational, cross-sectional survey of English schoolchildren, which assesses a variety of health markers linked to current and/or future chronic disease risk. It aimed, additionally, to identify social, geographical and behavioural factors associated with fitness and physical activity. The EoEHHS was school-based; all measurements and assessments were carried out during regularly scheduled physical education lessons, using existing school facilities and in the presence of physical education or other teachers, therefore causing minimal stress to participants and no disruption to the schools' curricula. This mode of data collection combined with excellent levels of school engagement resulted in very high response rates (between 61-98% in schools). The survey was aimed primarily at children from school years 6-11 (9-16 years) but also includes some data on individuals aged 17 and 18 years. All testing took place in the summer months (March to September). The data were collected between 2006 and 2011. Only cross-sectional data from participants with valid age and sex values are included in the dataset.

Further information may be found on the University of Essex Biomedical Sciences Institute (EBSI) Research Activities webpage and on the University of Essex Repository Aerobic Fitness and Mode of Travel to School in English Schoolchildren webpage.


Main Topics:

Physical fitness (stamina, strength and power) of schoolchildren along with anthropometric characteristics. Participants self-reported indices of habitual physical activity, travel habits, breakfast habits and sedentary behaviour (screen-time).