Eurofit Test Results in Estonian and Lithuanian 11 to 17‐Year‐Old Children: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The aims of this study were to measure the motor abilities of Estonian and Lithuanian children using EUROFIT tests, and present possible differences between these two countries. In total, 4766 11 to 17‐year‐old children were measured (3165 Estonians and 1601 Lithuanians). Children participated in two compulsory physical education lessons per week. Stature and body mass were measured and the sum of four skinfolds presented (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac). The following EUROFIT tests were used: 20m shuttle‐run, handgrip strength, standing broad jump, flexed arm hang, sit‐ups, 10 x 5m shuttle‐run, plate tapping, sit‐and‐reach and Flamingo balance. There were only a few significant differences in the anthropometrical parameters between the children of the two countries (Table 1). Twenty metre shuttle‐run test scores were significantly higher (p<0.05–0.01) in Estonian boys and girls compared to Lithuanian children of the same age and sex. Handgrip strength and 10 x 5m shuttle‐run tests results were significantly higher in Estonian children in most cases (p<0.05–0.01). Balance (Flamingo test) scores were significantly higher (p<0.05–0.01) in Estonian girls, while the difference was not significant in boys (p>0.05). Generally, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the results of standing broad jump, bent arm hang and plate tapping between the children of both countries. The number of sit‐ups during 30s was significantly higher (p<0.05–0.01) in Lithuanian children. It was concluded that the motor ability of the Estonian and Lithuanian children was comparable with children of other European countries. In some tests, the results were significantly better in Estonian children when compared with Lithuanian children of the same age and sex.