Objectives: This study aims to examine the geographical variation in physical fitness levels among Chinese children and adolescents in Shaanxi province. Methods: A total of 19,175 children from Shaanxi province with physical fitness data in 2019, participated in the study. Physical fitness was assessed using body mass index, force vital capacity, 50 m sprint, sit and reach, 1 min rope skipping, sit-ups, 50 m × 8 round-trip running, standing long jump, pull-ups, 800 m, and 1000 m running, and their standardized scores were aggregated to form a summary score. The total score is used to classify the physical fitness levels into four grades (excellence to failure). Results: The Guanzhong (GZ) region scored the highest, while Northern Shaanxi (NS) scored the lowest. The excellence rate for physical fitness was highest in GZ and lowest in NS, while the failure rate was highest in NS and lowest in GZ. Notably, children and adolescents in NS demonstrated the best endurance levels despite their overall lower fitness scores. The comprehensive physical fitness among Chinese children and adolescents in Shaanxi province showed significant regional disparities. GZ region exhibited the highest physical fitness levels, while Northern Shaanxi had the lowest. Conclusions: Region-specific interventions and targeted health policies are essential to address these disparities and improve the overall physical health status of children and adolescents in Shaanxi province.

Physical exercise has been shown to improve balance, gait, and cognitive function in older adults. Interactive cognitive-motor training (ICMT) combines physical exercise and cognitive stimulation, but few studies have focused on the effect of ICMT on static and dynamic balance in older adults. This study aims to improve the balance of older adults to reduce fall-related injuries for sustainable development goals. We randomly assigned 38 older adults to either the ICMT group (n = 22) or the control group (n = 16). The ICMT group participated in 60-min exercise sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their regular activities. The static and dynamic balances were assessed before and after the intervention. The results indicated the ICMT group demonstrated significant improvements in static balance, specifically in swing path and velocity (V) in the medial-lateral (M-L) direction with eyes open (p < 0.05). With eyes closed, the ICMT group showed significant improvements in total swing path and area compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In dynamic balance, there was a significant difference in the lateral (L) angle limit of stability (LOS) between the ICMT group and the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ICMT effectively enhances static balance and maintains dynamic balance in older adults.