The Relationship between!Non-Verbal Intelligence and the Level of Physical Fitness among Primary School Age Children from 7 to 11 years old

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the non-verbal intelligence (IQ) and the level of physical fitness among primary school age children from 7-11 years old. Participants were primary school aged-children (n = 237; 112 boys and 125 girls ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old (n= 148 from 7 to 9 years old; n= 79 from 10 to 11 years old). The data were collected by using the German motor test and the Non-Verbal Intelligence. The results showed a better physical and mental (i.e., IQ) performance for children aged between 10-11 years old. The mental performance according to month’s age showed typical age development comparing to the range of real age for tested children. The correlation was found between the mental test degree and the mental age with the majorities of the physical fitness items. The children how have better physical fitness levels performed better in the mental test. The level of IQ was correlated with coordinative ability (BB and JS) with r=0.13 and 0.16 respectively. These results demonstrated the important of developing the physical fitness levels during childhood at the school and the impact of this development on the level of mental performance and academic achievement in particular.