Assessment of Motor Abilities and Physical Fitness in Youth in the Context of Talent Identification-OSF Test.

Abstract

(1) Background: Physical fitness during childhood is an important indicator of current and future health status. Defining physical fitness levels is a key element of talent identification in the training of children and adolescents. It is also crucial in developing a sports career path. This study sought to validate a physical fitness test (OSF test) and to determine fitness norms for children and adolescents with a special focus on talent identification within its particular sub-tests of endurance, speed, strength and power. (2) Methods: A total of 27,187 athletes who participated in the 'Athletics for all' (AFA) programme were included in the analysis. Physical fitness was assessed using a validated OSF test (3 × 10 shuttle run, standing broad jump, 1 kg medicine ball overhead throw, 4-min run). (3) Results: Four key motor abilities (speed, power, strength and endurance) were assessed in children and adolescents. The OSF test was normalised, i.e., a reference frame in the form of centile charts was developed. (4) Conclusions: The centile charts developed for particular parts of the OSF test make it possible to interpret scores in particular motor sub-tests and, first and foremost, enable users to compare a given score with results obtained by their peers.