Abstract
Several studies have shown that the behavioral pattern in exercise and motor fitness of children has changed dramatically in the last two generations. Because childhood is a very important period of life, the promotion of physical activity (PA) has been identified as a major public health priority. Therefore the aim of this study was to observe the fitness level and the importance of PA among 5th grade pupils in Liechtenstein. This cross-sectional study was carried out from March to June 2007. A total of 313 children (aged 11.8 ± 0.6 years) were randomly selected. PA and socio-demographic data were acquired with a short questionnaire, the motor fitness with a test battery, consisting of eight items. In summary, the physical performance of all the children is satisfactory, but with obvious deficits in coordination, flexibility and basic motor skills. Children’s general fitness was significantly higher among those, who were members of sports clubs than non members (p<.05). A high level of PA in free time was associated with better motor fitness (p < .001). According to other studies, this survey illustrates the controversial findings of a high participation in sports of school children in their free time activities but at the same time increasing motor disorders.
Highlights
Several studies have shown that the behavioral pattern in exercise and motor fitness of children has changed dramatically in the last two generations
This study offers representative data on the motor fitness and significance of exercise in 5th grade pupils in Liechtenstein for the first time
The capabilities in, and attitudes to, physical exercise which are acquired at school age form the basis for an active lifestyle later on as an adult (Tammelin, 2005; Hallal et al, 2006)
Summary
Several studies have shown that the behavioral pattern in exercise and motor fitness of children has changed dramatically in the last two generations. The aim of this study was to observe the fitness level and the importance of PA among 5th grade pupils in Liechtenstein. SHS Web of Conferences children and adolescents continue to be rated highly today (Brettschneider et al, 2006).1 This sporting activity does not appear to compensate, or only partly, for the lack of exercise in daily routine (Brettschneider et al, 2006). With this background, this study offers representative data on the motor fitness and significance of exercise in 5th grade pupils in Liechtenstein for the first time
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