Influence Of Non-cognitive Ability Scores On Physical Fitness Improvement: An Examination Using Longitudinal Data

Abstract

Recently, many activities have been conducted to improve physical fitness owing to the decline in children’s physical fitness observed in Japan. Such activities have led to gradual improvements in physical fitness. With the commencement of a study to examine the educational effect of exercise promotion, this program entered a new stage. Specifically, we focused on motivation, perseverance, and positive attitudes that are emphasized in young children. These non-cognitive abilities are considered indispensable for future social success. A few studies have examined the relationship between physical fitness and non-cognitive abilities. Last year, we also presented findings of a study on the relationship between non-cognitive abilities and physical fitness of children using cross sectional data, and identified the need to examine the longitudinal relationship. PURPOSE: The present aimed to examine the influence of non-cognitive abilities on physical fitness improvement using longitudinal data. METHODS: We conducted physical fitness tests and a non-cognitive ability survey on 264 young children. Data were collected during the same period for 2 years. Participants were classified into the improved and non-improved groups based on the extent of change in their ranking in the class. Differences in non-cognitive ability scores in the first and second year were examined using a three-way ANOVA with physical fitness improvement, sex, and grade as factors. RESULTS: No significant interaction was confirmed between gender, grade, and physical fitness improvement in any year. A significant main effect of sex, grade, and physical fitness improvement was observed in the first year, and of sex and physical fitness improvement in the second year. Girls’ non-cognitive ability score was significantly higher than that of boys. Among 4-year-olds, the non-cognitive ability score was significantly higher in the first year as compared to that in the second year. The non-cognitive ability score of participants in the improved group was significantly higher than that of participants in the non-improved group. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings confirmed that non-cognitive abilities have a positive effect on the extent of improvement in physical fitness.