There are many definitions of physical fitness, but almost all of them have been directed at adults.16 When defining fitness in the context of a child's life, and in particular, a child with a disability, a variation of the definition proposed by Pate and coworkers seems appropriate: 4
Physical fitness denotes a level of energy that allows children and adolescents to engage in daily activities without incurring high levels of stress or fatigue. This includes but is not limited to performing daily household chores, attending school, participating in sports and recreation programs, and possibly engaging in part-time employment of a vigorous nature. Physical fitness also denotes a reduction in health risks that may occur in adulthood as a result of physical inactivity, including such conditions as coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, low stamina, Type II diabetes, osteoporosis, low back pain and depression.