The Impact of Extracurricular Physical Activities on the Development of Motor Skills and anthropometric characteristics in 12 Year School Children

The relationship between anthropometric and physical characteristics of female handball players and throwing velocity is considered an important factor in handball performance. The aim of this study was to examine key differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between top elite and elite female players competing in the first Spanish handball league. A total of 89 players from the first Spanish handball league were divided into two groups, top elite (38) and elite (51) players, and assessed for anthropometric and fitness characteristics (throwing velocity, vertical jump and hand grip strength). A Student’s t-test was used to determine whether a statistically significant difference between the two different levels of play occurred. Significant differences were found in age, body height, body mass, arm span, muscle mass, different girths (tensed and flexed arm, forearm, wrist, ankle), dominant hand width and length, different breadths (biacromial, bitrochanteric, bistyloid breadth and biepicondylar humerus) and fitness characteristics (hand grip strength and throwing velocity for different positions). Top elite players compared to elite players showed differences in anthropometric characteristics which were mainly located in the upper limbs and mostly were nonmodifiable aspects by training. Furthermore, the best players were able to maintain a high throwing velocity in different tactical situations.

The aim of this study was to determine urban-rural and regional differences in anthropometric characteristics among adolescents aged 12-14, as well as to present the prevalence of weight status. A total of 534 adolescents aged 12-14 from primary schools across Montenegro participated in this cross-sectional study (283 boys, aged 13.52 ± 0.42, body height 169.43 ± 8.89, body weight 60.54 ± 13.47; 251 girls, aged 13.51 ± 0.40, body height 165.54 ± 6.67, body weight 55.28 ± 9.27). The sample was divided by geographic region in Montenegro into northern, central, and coastal regions, and according to settlement type into urban and rural inhabitants. Anthropometric characteristics were assessed using a battery of seven variables: arm span (AS); body height (BH); body weight (BW); waist circumference (WC); hip circumference (HC); body mass index (BMI); and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). BMI was categorized based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) cut-offs. The results indicate that girls from urban areas exhibited significantly greater body height and lower BMI values compared to their rural counterparts. Similarly, boys from urban areas also demonstrated lower BMI values compared to their rural peers. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in other anthropometric characteristics between these two groups of adolescents. Based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis, it was found that girls from central areas had significantly greater body height compared to those from northern and coastal areas. Likewise, boys from northern areas showed higher body mass and BMI values compared to those from central areas. Additionally, both boys and girls from central areas had higher values compared to those from coastal areas. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected in other anthropometric characteristics among adolescents from these regions. This study identified significant differences in anthropometric parameters among participants based on urban-rural status and within regional divisions. However, further research encompassing a larger sub-sample and a broader array of anthropometric variables is needed to draw a more comprehensive conclusion.

This paper aims to determine whether there is a difference in anthropometric, morphological characteristics, and motor abilities, between boys and girls at the age of 13-15 years. The study included 95 subjects of which 49 were boys (51.6%) and 46 girls (48.4%), with mean age girls 14.14 and boys 14.40 years. The sample comprised students who belong to the urban area of the City of Tešanjka. The sample of variables in this study consisted of 15 tests of motor abilities and 10 morphological characteristics (body height, body mass, body mass index, etc.). This paper aims to determine whether there are differences in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities between boys and girls aged 13-15 years. The results obtained in this study were compared with those of previous research, and the conclusions reached through a summary analysis were explained. Boys were taller and heavier at the age of 14. The results show that boys achieved statistically better results in most tests compared to girls of the same age. Keywords: anthropometric characteristics, motor abilities, gender differences, age of fourteen

IntroductionThe current conditions of warfare and the level of development of military equipment and tactics require high-quality professional training of military personnel. This requires a high level of development of motor and military applied skills of cadets. Orienteering is the most effective means of developing motor and military-applied motor skills in cadets that contribute to the formation of their psychophysical readiness for future professional and combat activities. The aim of the research is to substantiate the methodology for the development of motor skills, and the formation of military applied skills in cadets during their orienteering training sessions and to test its effectiveness.MethodsThe research, which was conducted in 2018-2023, involved 80 male cadets of the S. P. Koroliov Zhytomyr Military Institute (Ukraine), aged 17 to 23. The study’s design was a case-control study. To test the methodology of the author, the experimental (EG, n = 40) and control (CG, n = 40) groups were formed from the cadets who entered the institute in 2019 with significantly the same indicators of the development of motor skills, physical condition, health and mental cognitive processes (p > 0.05). EG was formed from the cadets who were engaged in orienteering training sessions during the sporting and mass participation activities (3 times per week for 1.5 hours). CG cadets were not engaged in sports, but they practiced sporting and mass participation activities according to the traditional method of physical training. The research methods included analysis of scientific, educational, and methodological literature, internet data and best practices, testing, pedagogical experiments, and methods of mathematical statistics. The level of cadets’ motor skills development was assessed by physical training tests, the level of military applied skills formedness in orienteering was assessed by the standards of military topography, and the dynamics of mental cognitive processes was assessed by psychodiagnostic methods. The reliability of the difference between the indicators was determined by the Student’s t-test.ResultsThe methodology for the development of motor skills and the formation of military-applied skills in cadets during their orienteering training sessions has been worked out and substantiated. Further, it aims to form the psychophysical readiness of cadets for their future professional and combat activities. The methodology has been implemented in four stages: basic, preparatory, main, and military applied, which are characterized by a scientifically sound ratio of theoretical, general, special, and applied physical training. A significantly better (p ≤ 0.05-0.001) level of development of general and special motor skills in the EG cadets compared to the CG was revealed by the results of 10 x 10 m shuttle run, 3 km run, obstacle course exercise, 6 x 100 m shuttle run, 3 km run with obstacles, and 10 km accelerated march. The EG cadets showed significantly (p ≤ 0.001) better indicators than the CG cadets in determining direction (azimuth) afield, transferring targets from the terrain scheme to the map (aerial photo), and passing the 50 m orienteering distance with 5 control points. The EG cadets showed a significantly better (p ≤ 0.05-0.001) level of indicators of stability and concentration of attention, short-term memory, peculiarities of thinking, and intellectual working capacity than the CG at the end of the experiment.ConclusionTesting the methodology for the development of motor skills and the formation of military-applied skills in cadets during their orienteering training sessions confirmed its effectiveness in shaping the psychophysical readiness of cadets for their future professional and combat activities. Assessment of the developed methodology showed its more pronounced positive effects, compared to the traditional method of physical training, in terms of the development of motor skills in cadets, formation of military applied skills in terrain orienteering, and improvement of mental cognitive processes.

The aim of this study was to examine and determine the effects of vocational subjects (football, basketball, handball, volleyball) on the development of motor skills, to determine motivation for active participation in physical education classes and in the vocational subject 'Sports for Athletes', as well as pupils' attitudes toward the previously named vocational subject. Furthermore, this study examines the growth and development of morphological characteristics of pupils in final grade of nine-year elementary school. The basic hypothesis (Hg) that served as the baseline for research is as follows: Hg - There will not be statistically important differences in motor skills, motivation, and in anthropometric characteristics as a result of different experimental treatments, among the groups of pupils (both girls and boys) encompassed by the experiment. The study was of a longitudinally experimental nature, where the experimental method was used as the basic one, and the statistical method was used as an auxiliary one. Research was conducted in elementary schools in Danilovgrad, for a period of one academic year. The study sample consisted of 218 pupils (105 girls and 113 boys), aged 14 years, divided into five groups (four experimental and one control group). Experimental groups consisted of pupils who have attended, apart from the regular physical education classes, classes of vocational subject 'Sports for Athletes', i.e. a particular sport as a vocational subject (basketball, football, handball, volleyball) chosen by themselves. The control group consisted of pupils who have attended regular physical education classes but they have not chosen sports as vocational subject but another one. The effects of the control and experimental treatment were assessed using the following variables: five variables to measure anthropometric characteristics, eight variables to assess motor skills, as well as variables for assessing the motivation of students and their attitudes towards physical education classes and sport for sportsmen (examined only once during the study). The acquired data were analyzed and processed using the descriptive statistical methods, tests, and univariantne analysis of variance. Following the conducted research, and based on analysis of achieved results, the following general conclusion can be generated: physical education classes and teaching the vocational subjects in field of physical education do not have a statistically significant impact on the anthropometric characteristics of both girls and boys, while the impact on development of motor skills is evident and noticeable, but not to the expected extent.

Capacoteric development of students is a crucial aspect in their education, having a significant impact on their health and quality of life. This analysis aims to explore the importance of developing motor skills of students and the ways in which education, sport and recreational activities can influence this development. Physical education classes are an essential component in the development of students' motor skills. They give students the opportunity to improve their agility, endurance and motor coordination. Through physical education, students learn not only to develop their motor skills, but also to appreciate the importance of physical activity for a healthy life. Tourism is a means of harmonious development of students, through recreational activities and useful social activities aimed at ensuring a multilateral education from the point of view: physical, moral, etc. Thus, the basic principle of physical education lessons that follow the use of tourism. within the lessons is the development of the students' individual capacities, the maintenance of their emotional and health status. As is known, since the beginning of life, the human being grows, develops, matures, evolves under the influence of biological, psychological and social factors that act on him transversally and longitudinally. These factors can be favorable, when they stimulate the entire evolution, and unfavorable or relatively favorable, when they determine limited or even restrictive structures for shaping human characteristics. The evaluation of these conditions, of the motor qualities, is done in relation to the concrete context in which the student is, but also in relation to the methods of reception and structuring of the particularities that define him. In the conditions of today's society, we are witnessing an obvious progress of contemporary civilization, and the informational explosion triggers a series of changes and evolutions in secondary education, which in the 21st century is experiencing a continuous transformation and development in terms of content, methodology and didactic strategies. The purpose of the research is to analyze the development of students' motor capacities, in the discipline of pedestrian tourism, in the context of the implementation of the new physical education curriculum in the Republic of Moldova. Research methods. To achieve the goal and achieve the objectives, the following research methods were proposed and established as: analysis and synthesis, scientific research and documentation. Results and discussion. The development of motor capacities are characteristics of the body that offer the individual the possibility of performing various motor acts, related to both his daily and sports activities. In the education process, finding and using the most effective methods and means to ensure the development of these capacities occupies an important place in the specialist teacher's concerns. Pedestrian tourism is a form of sports tourism that represents a tourist march along a certain route. It involves the free choice of several routes, representing a great advantage for those practicing this test. The essential technical elements of this form of tourism are: the technique of pedestrian tourism, which represents a complex of procedures and means used effectively for the solution of tourist objectives (eg: the technique of crossing obstacles, the technique of organizing the tourist bivouac, the technique of orientation in the terrain, techniques of granting the first aid and transporting the injured) and the tactic of pedestrian tourism - is intended to ensure a necessary balance for the students' body between travel and rest. The development of students' motor capacities, in the discipline of Pedestrian Tourism, in the context of the implementation of the new Physical Education curriculum in the Republic of Moldova, pedagogically capitalizes in the Curriculum, a valuable potential for the formation and development of students' personality in the unit of socio-psycho-motor plans. The formative values of the discipline are varied and valuable: the harmonious and healthy development of the body; enhancing, maintaining or restoring motor qualities and health; dynamization of mental processes, including volitional and affective ones; increasing resilience; stimulation of intellectual activity; the development of moral qualities, such as: team spirit, fair competition, entrepreneurial spirit, courage and selflessness, responsibility, discipline and self-control, patriotic spirit, etc. The development of motor skills in students is an essential process for a healthy childhood and for their preparation for adult life. Through physical education, sports and recreational activities, students not only improve their motor skills, but also acquire values and habits beneficial for life. Promoting these issues in schools and communities is vitally important for the healthy future of young generations. Tourism activities can play a significant role in the development of motor skills in students, providing them with unique opportunities to improve their physical skills, but also to learn essential aspects such as teamwork, problem solving and adaptability. This analysis focuses on how tourism activities contribute to the development of motor skills in students and their formation as well-balanced individuals. Conclusion: Tourism activities provide a fascinating panorama of how students can develop motor skills and reach the maximum potential of their physical abilities. By exploring natural environments, tackling challenges and building resilience, students not only improve their motor skills, but also gain confidence in their own abilities. Promoting these activities in education can contribute to the formation of healthy adults, aware of the environment and able to cope in various situations. Therefore, the development of motor skills through tourism activities represents a valuable investment in the future of our students.

Although recent studies support the importance of assessing the anthropometric status of football players, there is still a need for research that examines differences in anthropometric characteristics based on the quality of the team they represent. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the differences in anthropometric characteristics between cadet football players from top-ranked and lower-ranked teams in the league. This study included a total of 136 professional cadet football players from the Montenegrin First League, divided into two groups: players from top-ranked teams (n=61, 16.04±0.63 years, body height 177.43±6.74 cm, body weight 70.02±10.30 kg) and players from bottom-ranked teams (n=75, 16.00±0.76 years, body height 179.20±6.63 cm, body weight 68.13±10.01 kg). For the purposes of this study, a battery of seven anthropometric variables was used: arm span (AS), body height (BH), body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The Student's t-test determined that football players from top-ranked teams had higher values of body mass index (p=0.017), waist circumference (p=0.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (p=0.001), while players from bottom-ranked teams had higher values of hip circumference (p=0.005). There were no differences in other anthropometric parameters between football players from top-ranked and bottom-ranked teams. These findings showed that football players from top-ranked teams have higher values of weight-related parameters compared to those from bottom-ranked teams. Further research should include a broader range of anthropometric parameters, as well as body composition parameters. Additionally, young football players should be analyzed based on their positions within the team, which would lead to more comprehensive conclusions.

Anthropometric characteristics aim to improve the performance in many sports. Morphological status of top athletes is relatively homogeneous, depending on the sport, and can be defined as a pattern for the achievements of athletes (Misigoj-Duraković, Matković, &Medved, 1995). Somatotype reflects the overall appearance of the human body and gives meaning to the total morphological status of the human body (Ross, Ward, Leahy, & Day 1982). Our research was conducted with the main objective to identify the differences in anthropometric characteristics somatotype and some basic motor skills in karate and non-athletes. The research was conducted on 100 male subjects 17-18 years, karate (50) and non-athletes (50). The purpose of this study is to define the differences in anthropometric characteristics, somatotypes and basic motor skills in karate and non-athletes. The pattern of the anthropometric measures is defined by ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropmetry), except the variables: body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF %) and lean body mass (ALBM), which are calculated according to the methodology During Womerslay, while the variable (HWR) derives from the software program somatotype 1.2, the pattern of motor skill is defined by battery of Eurofit testing. For determining the differences between the two groups of respondents, a t-test for independent samples is applied, while the evaluation of the somatotypes was done according to the methodology by Heath-Carter with 10 anthropometric measurements. Based on the obtained results of measurements from both groups respondents, was proved that there are no statistically significant differences in anthropometric measures. Based on our study, while in karate we found balanced mesomorph somatotype 3.07-4.28-2.85 in non-athletes we find endomorphic mesomorph somatotype 3.47-4.96-2.67. Statistically significant differences on the components of somatotypes exist at mesomorph component. Differences in the motor skill were found in favor of karate athletes.

The development of motor skills is an important aspect of children's growth, affecting physical skills, muscle coordination, and daily activities. In elementary school, motor development influences children's academic and social abilities. Rhythmic gymnastics is a structured physical activity that can enhance children's motor skills, such as strength, balance, and coordination. This study examines the application of rhythmic gymnastics to improve gross motor skills in elementary school students using literature review and digital research methods. The purpose of this research is to study the impact of rhythmic gymnastics on children's motor development through a literary research approach. The methodology used is a literature review that includes a critical analysis of various academic sources such as journals, books, and relevant articles. The results of the study indicate that rhythmic gymnastics can significantly improve children's gross and fine motor skills. Rhythmic gymnastics activities involving rhythmic movements, coordination, and balance contribute positively to children's physical and cognitive development. Furthermore, rhythmic gymnastics has also been proven effective in enhancing children's social and emotional aspects through enjoyable and structured group activities. These results highlight the importance of incorporating rhythmic gymnastics into the elementary school curriculum to support the development of gross motor skills.

Achondroplasia, the most common form of chondrodysplasia (inherited skeletal dysplasia), is characterized by a significant delay in the development of communication and motor skills, particularly during the first 2 years. Although some information regarding timing of development for children with achondroplasia is available, no study has evaluated simultaneously the pattern of skill development across multiple key developmental areas. This study used a retrospective questionnaire to quantify developmental data on milestone achievement. Twenty families of children with achondroplasia throughout Australia and New Zealand were asked to document age of acquisition for 41 gross motor, fine motor, and communication and feeding milestones. More than one half of the items assessed were milestones identified in the Australian State Government Personal Health Record Books. The results are compared with previously available information regarding development of motor skills by a cohort of American children with achondroplasia. Although the results support previously reported delays in gross motor and communication skill development, fine motor development does not seem to be as delayed as previously suggested. Information on development of self-feeding skills is presented for the first time and occurs later in this group than the typically developing population. We describe 2 distinctive and previously unreported methods of transitioning between static positions commonly used by children with achondroplasia. Delays were reported across gross motor and communication and feeding skills but were not observed during development of fine motor skills. Additional information is also offered regarding a variety of unusual movement strategies demonstrated by young children with achondroplasia.

Anthropometric characteristics and body composition play an important role in achievements in most sports, however, there are still no specific recommendations on anthropometry-body composition for women in futsal. The research aimed to determine differences in anthropometric characteristics and body composition between elite female futsal players, members of the best futsal clubs in Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Croatia. The sample of respondents consisted of 30 elite female futsal players. The first sub-sample consisted of players from Montenegro (n=11, 19.18±2.44 yrs), the second sub-sample consisted of players from North Macedonia (n=10, 18.10±3.03 yrs), and the last sub-sample was consisted by players from Croatia (n=9, 20.33±5.17 yrs). Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were evaluated by a battery of 11 variables: body height (BH), body mass (BM), triceps skinfold (TS), biceps skinfold (BiS), back skinfold (BS), abdominal skinfold (AS), upper leg skinfold (UlS), lower leg skinfold (LlS), body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (FP), and muscle mass percentages (MP). Based on the ANOVA and post-hoc tests, findings showed that have differences between the groups in 4 anthropometric parameters such body height, body mass, abdominal skinfold, and muscle mass percentages. Female futsal players from Montenegro and Croatia have significantly higher results in parameters such as body height, body mass, and muscle mass percentages. While futsal players from Montenegro have significantly higher abdominal skinfold values than Croatia. The results suggest that there is some difference in anthropometry- body composition between groups of female futsal players, but for more complete conclusions an analysis should be performed on a larger sample of high-level female futsal players. However, despite that, this research made a significant contribution because it was the first to identify differences in anthropometric characteristics and body composition among elite female futsal players from different countries in this part of the world. In this way, it has opened the doors for further research into the anthropometry of female futsal players in this region.

The progression of infant gross motor development during an acute hospitalization is unknown. Understanding gross motor skill acquisition in hospitalized infants with complex medical conditions is necessary to develop and evaluate interventions that may lessen delays. Establishing a baseline of gross motor abilities and skill development for these infants will guide future research. The primary purposes of this observational study were to: (1) describe gross motor skills of infants with complex medical conditions (n = 143) during an acute hospitalization and (2) evaluate the rate of change in gross motor skill development in a heterogenous group of hospitalized infants with prolonged length of stay (n = 45). Gross motor skills in hospitalized infants aged birth to 18 months receiving physical therapy were evaluated monthly using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. Regression analysis was completed to assess rate of change in gross motor skills. Of the 143 participants, 91 (64%) demonstrated significant motor delay at initial evaluation. Infants with prolonged hospitalization (mean 26.9 ± 17.5 weeks) gained new gross motor skills at a significant rate of 1.4 points per month in Alberta Infant Motor Scale raw scores; however, most (76%) continued with gross motor delays. Infants with complex medical conditions admitted for prolonged hospitalization frequently have delayed gross motor development at baseline and have slower than typical acquisition of gross motor skills during hospitalization, gaining 1.4 new skills per month compared with peers acquiring 5 to 8 new skills monthly. Further research is needed to determine effectiveness of interventions designed to mitigate gross motor delay in hospitalized infants.

Aim of studyThe aim of the study was to examine the differences between professional football players from leading and average teams in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities. The sample of participants included 55 professional football players from the Serbian Super League, the top-tier national football competition.MethodsThe sample was divided into players representing the leading team (LT; n = 29) and the average team (AT; n = 26) in the Serbian championship. A total of 16 parameters were measured, including 5 anthropometric parameters and 11 variables of motor abilities, assessing sprint and acceleration performance, agility, explosive power, and endurance. Based on the independent t-test, it was determined that the leading team has a significantly lower fat percentage (0.016) compared to players from the average team.ResultsRegarding motor abilities, a difference has been observed on the side of the LT compared to AT in sprint performance, such as 20 m (0.001), and 30 m sprint (0.005), as well as acceleration index 10/20m (0.006). However, in contrast, the AT achieved better results in agility zig-zag (0.000) and zig-zag with a ball test (0.000), as well as index zig-zag (0.038). Additionally, the AT had better results in the test of explosive lower extremity power - CMJ (0.005). There were no differences between players in other anthropometric and motor performances.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that while the leading team demonstrates superior sprinting and acceleration capabilities, the average team excels in agility and explosive power of the lower extremities. Although certain differences in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities were observed between the LT and AT groups of football players, further research is needed to examine these differences in more detail and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Background: Physical activity is vital in growth and development, maturation of motor and physiological functions, and cognitive abilities in the pediatric population. In children, sufficient physical activity is reported to help develop motor skills. This is because to have a good quality of movement, abilities obtained through habits in physical activity are needed. This study aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on the development of motor skills in children aged 3-12 years. Methods: The type of research was a literature review based on the review process of research articles that discuss the effect of physical activity on the development of motor skills in children aged 3-12 years. The search for articles was done from the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Results: Based on the five selected journals in this literature review, significant positive results were obtained between physical activity and the development of motor skills in children aged 3-12 years old. The specifications of the motor skills that develop in children vary depending on the form, type, and settings of the physical activity. Conclusion: Physical activity seemed to affect the development of children's motor skills. The development of motor skills in children occurs gradually, along with physical development and stimulation of activities that spur better skills.

Sports in elementary school: Physical education specialists vs. group teachers