50-m Dash Research Articles

A comparative study on the physical fitness of college students from different grades and majors in Jiangxi province.

Research to date has not provided a clear understanding of how different grades and majors affect the physical fitness of college students. It is postulated that there are significant disparities in physical health among college students of different grades and majors. The purpose of this study was to evidence these health disparities and to engage in an extensive analysis and discussion thereof. A sample of 8,772 (2,404 boys and 6,368 girls) Chinese college students from freshman to junior years, aged 17-22, including 12 different majors in four colleges, were recruited in Jiangxi Province. All seven physical fitness indicators (body mass index (BMI), forced vital capacity, 50-m dash, standing long jump, sit and reach, upper body muscle strength, and endurance runs) were conducted for all participants. One-way ANOVA and LSD tests were conducted to compare the physical fitness scores of different grades in the same major. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare the differences in every physical fitness indicator for different majors. Pearson's correlations among 12 majors for every grade were conducted to study the significant corrections between the two physical fitness indicators. The body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness indicator (PFI) for college students of different grade were investigated using a nonlinear regression model. The current state of physical fitness among college students is concerning, as the majority of students were barely passing (with a passing rate of 75.3%). Specifically, junior students exhibited lower scores than freshman and sophomore students across all 12 majors. From freshman to junior year, majors of music (78.01±4.58), English (79.29±5.03), and education (76.26±4.81) had the highest scores, respectively, but major art consistently scored the lowest, which were 73.85±6.02, 74.97±5.53, and 72.59±4.84, respectively. Pairwise comparisons revealed more significant differences in individual physical fitness indicators among the three grades in humanities than in sciences. Pearson's correlations showed significant correlations among seven physical fitness indicators in all three grades. PFI had a parabolic trend with BMI both for boy and girl college students in Jiangxi province. The physical fitness indicators of college students in Jiangxi province significantly differed in grades and majors, showing undesirable phenomena. The physical fitness of senior and humanities major college students was much weaker and needs sufficient attention. The relationship between BMI and PFI presented an inverted "U"-shaped change characteristic. Continued nationwide interventions are needed to promote physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors in China.

Effect of nutritional status on the performance components of physical fitness of amateur basketball players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Optimal nutritional status is crucial for enhancing the physical fitness components of amateur basketball players as it directly influences their strength, endurance, and overall performance. This study assessed the effect of nutritional status on the performance components of physical fitness of amateur basketball players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional ex post facto study. Participants were 80 (40 male and 40 female) secondary school basketball players from a population of 160 (80 males (8 teams) and 80 females (8 teams) who were selected using random sampling technique from 16 registered teams from the 2023 Benue State Secondary School Basketball League organized by the Benue State Sports Council, Makurdi. All the participants underwent nutritional assessment based on WHO standards. The participants’ height and weight were measured in accordance with the protocol of ISAK. The Slalom test was performed to evaluate agility. The Harre circuit test (HCT) was used to assess coordination. Speed was assessed using the 50m dash. Reaction time was assessed using the reaction time ruler drop test. In all the tests, those with lower time were considered to be more fit and vice versa. Mean and standard deviation were computed for the performance of the participants in agility, coordination, speed and reaction time. The participants were split into three in relation to nutritional status (normal, thin/wasted and stunted). The analysis of variance was used to find out the different performance components of adolescents in relation to nutritional status. All the analyses were performed on 95% confidence intervals using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS v21). The result of the study indicated that nutrition has significant effects on agility (F=10.495, df=2, 77; p<0.05), coordination (F=17.750, df=2, 77; p<0.05), speed (F=5.908, df=2, 77; p<0.05) and reaction time (p<0.05) of amateur basketball players in Makurdi. It was concluded that nutritional status has a significant effect on several key performance components of physical fitness among amateur basketball players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that coaches should take the nutritional status of their players as important as other parameters to ensure a better performance of their players in basketball. Key words: Nutritional status, physical fitness, performance, amateur, basketball, secondary school

Effects of Circuit Training on Sports Performance of Semi-professional Roll Ball Players

This study aimed to determine the six-week circuit training's effect on the components of fitness of semi-professional roll ball players. To accomplish the goal of this study, sixty (60) roll ball players between the ages of fourteen and eighteen were chosen, and they were split into two equal groups: An experimental group (n = 30), and a control group (n = 30). The full duration of the circuit training program was six weeks with three sessions per week. In addition, the experimental group had a circuit training regimen which was added to their regular traditional regimen. The control group did not have a specified training program instead they had their routine regular regimen. The physical fitness variables selected as dependent variables were speed, agility, explosive power, upper body and shoulder girdle strength endurance, abdominal strength, and endurance. The speed was determined through the 50m dash run, Agility was measured with the 4 x 10m shuttle run performance, the explosive power was determined by Standing broad jump, and the abdominal strength was measured through bent knee sit-ups and the upper body and shoulder girdle strength were determined from pull-ups. The tests were conducted before and after the six weeks of circuit training. An eight-station circuit was formulated, and an adaptation period of two weeks was provided. Every two weeks, we added at least ten seconds to each station’s exercise. The data collected was analyzed by paired t-test to examine if any significant difference exists or not between pre–test and post-test scores of the experimental group as well as between the pre and post–test scores of the control group. An unpaired t-test has been used for determining if the difference between scores in the pretest of experimental and control groups is significant and for post-test equality of experimental and control groups as well. Mean, SD, and t-ratio were tested. Accordingly, it was determined that a six-week circuit training workout was highly effective as it had visible effects on all the selected parameters of physical fitness.

Correlation between speed and agility with an influence of gender in adolescent Kho-Kho players—an observational study

BackgroundAdolescent girls who participate in sports have injuries 4–6 times greater as compared to boys. Several factors are responsible for the injuries are as anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, and some extrinsic factors. The ideal level of motor characteristics, including speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility, determines how well a player performs in Kho-Kho. Speed and agility are two major components for better Kho-Kho performance. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between speed and agility with an influence on gender in Kho-Kho players.MethodA total of 75 participants (boys 34 and girls 41) Kho-Kho players in the age groups 11–17 years were included in the study based on selection criteria. For the agility-modified T test for speed, a 50-m Dash test was done.ResultsPearson’s correlation was used to analyze the collected data. The results indicated a moderate correlation between agility and speed in both genders (r = 0.404, p = 0.001), but in boys specifically, it showed a moderate correlation(r = 0.586, p = 0.001) and in girls, it showed a weak correlation (r = 0.267, p = 0.095).ConclusionIt can be concluded from the results of this study that there is a moderate correlation between speed and agility in Kho-Kho players, but boys have a moderate and girls have a weak correlation this indicates combining both genders and a particular gender also shows a weak to moderate correlation between speed and agility in adolescent Kho-Kho players.

REGIONAL OBSERVATORY OF PHYSICAL FITNESS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTHERN ITALY: A THIRTY-YEAR COMPARISON BETWEEN 1990-2020

International literature showed that lower physical activity levels are associated with a progressive decline in physical fitness levels in children and adolescents over the past decades. The present cross-sectional study aims to assess trends in physical fitness levels among young adolescents in Lecce (Apulia region, Italy) comparing motor performances in 1990 and 2020. The sample consisted of 107 children attending the secondary school in Lecce in 1990, and 118 children attending secondary school in the same province in 2020, divided according to gender and BMI cut-off (normal weight and overweight/obese). Physical fitness assessment included standing long jump, medicine ball throw 2kg, 30-m dash and Cooper endurance running proposed both in 1990 and 2020. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare motor performances (1990 vs 2020) according to gender and BMI, and on total sample according to BMI; chi-square test was carried out to underline differences between Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese distribution in 1990 and 2020, and linear regression analysis was executed to investigate the variance in motor test explained by BMI, both in 1990 and 2020 groups. Results showed that: (a) sample in 1990 performed significantly better than those in 2020 in all of the above physical fitness test, independently for gender and BMI cut-off, (b) the percentage of overweight obese children has increased significantly from 1990 to 2020, and (c) BMI is a key factor influencing almost all motor performance in 2020.

Assessing the relationship between functional movement screening, speed & body composition among sports population

BACKGROUND: Movement deficits and asymmetries are detected using the functional movement screen (FMS). Although increased body composition makes body movement more challenging, the relationship of body composition and FMS in athletes is unclear. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed (1) to relate the effects of body composition on FMS and speed and (2) to relate the effects of body composition on FMS and speed among the three groups. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, 135 university male athletes free from injury participated. The subjects were divided into three groups. Each group has 45 subjects: Group A = team sports (hockey, football, rugby, and cricket); Group B = individual sports (judo, boxing, fencing, and taekwondo), and Group C = recreational subjects. Each participant completed FMS and speed (50-m dash test) and body composition was recorded on Omron Karada Scan HBF-224. RESULTS: The components of body composition (body mass index [BMI] [r = −0.420, P = 0.000], body fat % [r = −0.297, P = 0.000], and visceral fat % [r = −0.423, P = 0.000]) showed a negative correlation with FMS while skeletal mass % (r = 0.328, r = 0.000) showed a correlation with FMS. The result of components of body composition (BMI [r = 7.23, P = 0.000], body fat % [r = 0.572, P = 0.000], and visceral fat % [r = 0.751, P = 0.000]) and speed showed a positive correlation while skeletal mass % (r = −0.535, P = 0.000) showed a negative correlation with speed. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that maintaining the body composition in the normal range can boost their performance by giving them the best FMS and speed outcomes.

Effects of Far-Infrared Radiation-Lamp Therapy on Recovery From Simulated Soccer Match Running Activities in Elite Soccer Players.

The authors investigated whether far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy would reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery from multiple soccer-match-related running activities. Twenty-four elite female soccer players (20-24y) were assigned into a FIR or a sham treatment group (n = 12/group). They performed a daily 90-minute Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) for 6 consecutive days. Maximal voluntary contraction torque of the knee extensors (KEs) and flexors, muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase activity, countermovement jump, and several other performance measures (eg,30-m dash, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) were taken before the first LIST, 1 hour after each LIST, and 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120hours after the last LIST. All participants received a 30-minute FIR or sham treatment on KEs and knee flexors, respectively, at 2 hour after each LIST and 25, 49, 73, and 97hours after the last LIST. All measures changed significantly (P < .05) at 1 hour after the first LIST without difference (P > .05) between groups. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (eg,the largest decrease of KE for FIR: 13% [4%], sham: 25% [5%]), countermovement jump height (4% [3%] vs 14% [4%]), and other performance measures (eg,Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test: 11% [5%] vs 26% [5%]) decreased less, and peak muscle soreness (eg,KE: 26 [9] vs 51 [18]mm) and plasma creatine kinase activity (172 [32] vs 1289 [610] IU/L) were smaller for the FIR than for the sham group (P < .05), and they returned to the baseline earlier (P < .05) for the FIR group. These results suggest that the FIR therapy provided potent effects on reducing accumulated muscle damage and enhancing recovery.

Percentile Curves for Multiple Physical Fitness Components Among Chinese Han Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18 Years From a National Survey Based on the Total and the Normal Weight Population.

Introduction: To develop sex- and age-specific percentile curves for seven physical fitness components for Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 7–18 years based on the total and the normal weight population using a nationally representative sample.Methods: A total of 214,228 Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 7–18 years old with all nutritional status and 161,999 with normal weight were examined. Seven physical fitness components [forced vital capacity (FVC), standing long jump (SLJ), 50-m dash, sit-and-reach (SR), grip strength (GS), body muscle strength (BMS), and endurance running (ER)] were measured, and percentile curves for each physical fitness component at the 20th, 40th, 60th, and 80th percentiles were calculated using the general additive model for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS).Results: Physical fitness presents different characteristics in each subgroup of sex, age, and nutritional status among children and adolescents. Sex- and age-specific percentiles for the seven physical fitness components among the Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 7–18 years based on the total and the normal weight population were provided as curves. Boys performed better than girls in FVC, SLJ, 50-m dash, GS, and ER but worse in SR. The performances of FVC, SLJ, 50-m dash, GS, BMS, and ER increased with age, but the estimates of SR were at the bottom among boys aged 12 years and girls aged 11 years. The annual increments of all components were larger in boys than girls at the peak time, which was earlier in girls than boys. The gap of physical fitness components between sexes increased with age, especially during puberty (since after 11 years old).Conclusion: The present study described the percentile curves of seven physical fitness components among the Chinese Han children and adolescents based on the total and the normal weight population at the national level, which could help to chart the level of physical fitness across age span and identify the extreme populations with either health concerns or potential talents.

The Physical Fitness Level of College Students Before and After Web-Based Physical Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been an emergency worldwide. Web-based physical education is a choice for college students to keep on their study. The aim of this study was to compare the data of physical fitness of college students before and after web-based physical education.Methods: All the students of 2018 and 2019 in Wuhan University of Technology who had taken the web-based physical education class in 2020 were included in this study. The records of annual physical fitness tests of all the subjects in 2019 and 2020 which were carried out in September were reviewed, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), vital capacity (VC), 50-m dash, sit-and-reach, standing long jump, male-specific pull-ups and 1,000-m race, and female-specific sit-ups and 800-m race.Results: There were 24,112 male and 9,690 female records of physical fitness tests included in our study. The results of 11,219 male and 4,651 female students who completed both physical fitness tests in 2019 and 2020 were employed for Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Declined performance was observed on male 50-m dash by 0.1 s, male 1,000-m race by 14 s, and female 800-m race by 11 s. Notably, the percentage of male obesity, based on BMI, rose from 10.6 to 15.2% and 17.1 to 21.8% for male overweight; correspondingly, the percentage of male normal weight declined from 55.9 to 51.9% and 16.4 to 11.1% for male thinness. The trend of increasing BMI in males should be paid attention to. Improved results on vital capacity, sit-and-reach, standing long jump for both males and females, female 50-m dash, female sit-ups, and male pull-ups were observed in 2020. All the results of physical fitness tests were significantly different between 2019 and 2020 (p < 0.01) by Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Conclusions: The changes of physical fitness tests before and after web-based physical education suggested that the focus should be placed on improvement for running tests through appropriate alternatives, such as fast running in place and shuttle run. In addition, the simple, convenient, and practical sport that require available equipment and little field should be considered for web-based physical education.

Individual-, Family-, and School-Level Ecological Correlates With Physical Fitness Among Chinese School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A National Cross-Sectional Survey in 2014.

Introduction: Few studies have examined the association between the individual-, family-, and school-level ecological correlates and physical fitness among Chinese children and adolescents, which is the purpose of the present study.Methods: A total of 157,168 children and adolescents, 10-18 years of age, with physical fitness data in 2014, participated in the study. Physical fitness was assessed, using six tests: forced vital capacity, standing long jump, sit and reach, body muscle strength, 50-m dash, and endurance running. Scores were aggregated to form a summary physical fitness indicator (PFI), which was then classified into five levels: low, low-middle, middle, middle-high, and high. Each option of individual-, family-, and school-level measures were constructed into a positive or negative correlate of physical fitness and then accumulated as a composite ecological score.Results: Among the 20 individual-, family-, and school-level correlates, 18 were found to be significantly associated with PFI, with high PFI levels being correlated with the positive group of correlates and low PFI levels correlated with the negative group of correlates (p < 0.05). High scores of ecological correlates were associated with a high level of PFI [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.07)] whereas low scores were associated with a low level of PFI (OR = 0.95, 95% CI:0.95, 0.95). The ecological correlates at the individual, school- and family-levels were shown to be significantly related to high PFI among Chinese children and adolescents aged 10-18 years with different ORs of 5.97 (95% CI: 5.51, 6.47), 3.94 (3.66, 4.24), and 1.25 (1.19, 1.31). The PAR% of 20 cumulative factors effects due to the negative and positive responses for low PFI levels were 35.9 and 16.1%, and, for high PFI levels, were 15.3 and 24.1%, among Chinese children and adolescents, respectively. Compared with the correlates at family and school levels, the correlates at individual levels had the largest PAR%.Conclusion: Individual-, family-, and school-multilevel factors had a significant cumulative association with either improving or worsening aspects of physical fitness. Individual level factors remain at the core of physical fitness improvement. Comprehensive policies and measures are urgently needed to enhance the physical fitness of Chinese children and adolescents through involving further individual and environmental factors.

Roles of age, sex, and weight status in the muscular fitness of Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents living at altitudes over 3600 m: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to assess the role of age, sex, and weight status in the development of muscular fitness in a large sample of Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents aged 7-18 years living in areas over 3600 m. A sample of 4673 Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents aged 7-18 years were recruited from 21 schools in three cities (Lhasa, Naqu, and Anduo) of Tibet, China. Grip strength, standing long jump, 30-s sit-ups, and 50-m dash were conducted to determine muscular fitness. Independent sample t tests were conducted to compare muscular fitness between boys and girls for each age group. The changes in mean scores on each muscular fitness test were estimated. The influence of weight status on muscular strength level was also estimated using one-way ANOVA and LSD tests. We also compared the average muscular fitness between Chinese Tibetan and Chinese average level. The muscular fitness of Chinese Tibetan boys aged 7-18 years was higher than that of girls, with older children outperforming younger children. Among the Chinese Tibetan boys, those in the normal-weight group showed the best performance, whereas overweight group showed the best performance among the girls. The performance of Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents in standing long jump and 50-m dash was lower while that in sit-ups was higher than the performance of their Chinese counterparts. Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents have relatively strong abdominal strength, but lower limb strength, which needs to be improved. Age, sex, and weight status should be considered when designing interventions to improve muscular fitness.

Effects of Strength Training on Physical Fitness and Obesity of College Girls of Yazman, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of strength training on physical fitness and obesity of college girls. The selected (n = 70) participants were girls' students of Yazman, Bahawalpur. The selected variables were 600m race for endurance, 30m dash for speed, standing broad jump for leg power, zigzag run for agility, sit and reach for flexibility, and handgrip strength. The body composition was estimated through five skin folds, seven girths, three breadths, and the lengths of upper and lower limbs. Eight weeks training schedule was adopted, (five days in a week) which comprises of different physical activities such as a 400m race, sit-ups, skipping, matches of badminton and volleyball. A paired t-test was applied to examine the effect of training on body composition and physical fitness of college girls. The result showed that strength training significantly affects bicep skin fold, hip girth, chest girth, 30m race, and flexibility. It is concluded that strength training increases physical fitness and reduces the body fat of college girls. The comparative analysis results revealed that after eight-week strength training, the college girls' students become physically active, reduced body fats, and assist in weight management.

Physical fitness reference standards for Chinese children and adolescents

To develop age- and sex-specific physical fitness reference standards and express the age- and sex-related differences using standardized effect sizes for Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 85,535 children and adolescents (48.7% girls) aged 7–18 years were recruited from six geographical divisions of China using a stratified randomized cluster sampling method. Seven physical fitness items including grip strength, standing long jump, 30-s sit-ups, sit and reach, 50-m dash, 20-s repeated straddling, and 20-m SRT were measured following a standardized procedure. Percentile curves for each physical fitness test were calculated using the LMS. Age- and sex-related differences were expressed as standardized effect sizes. We observed that the performance improved with age along with the analyzed percentiles in all tests. Boys had higher values compared to girls in all the physical fitness items except for sit and reach test, where girls showed better performance in all analyzed percentiles. Also, the sex differences increased with ages except sit and reach. There is a need for a differentiated approach in the physical education class in terms of adjustment of physical activity based on sex, level of fitness abilities in China.

Association between Cigarette Smoking and Physical Fitness Level of Korean Adults and the Elderly.

Although previous studies have examined the relationship between smoking and physical fitness, they only considered current smoking status and the same fitness measurements regardless of age. This study investigated differences in physical fitness based on tobacco smoking habits. A total of 2830 non-elderly adults (NEA; 19–64 years) and 629 elderly (65–89 years) participated in the study, using data extracted from a Korean national database. One-way ANCOVA and ANOVA were conducted to analyze the results. The subjects were classified into three groups (smokers, those who had quit, and never-smokers). In NEA men, a significant difference was observed in 50-m dash (p = 0.003) and 20-m shuttle-run (p < 0.001), while in elderly men differences were only seen in sit-ups (p = 0.015). In the case of NEA and elderly women, no significant differences were observed in physical fitness levels (p > 0.05). The decreased fitness level due to smoking was more noticeable in men than in women, and in NEA more than in elderly persons. A non-smoking policy and customized training based on age or gender are necessary to increase fitness and improve health conditions.

Analysis of the aging-induced changes in the motor ability structure using large population fitness test results.

Owing to confounding factors influencing the effect of aging, systematic analyses of age-related changes in motor ability are mostly limited to the use of animals whose diets and genetics can be controlled or the use of datasets of athletes who share similar lifestyles. However, we lack systematic methods for analyzing the effect of aging on the motor ability structure of the general public. We propose that principal component analysis (PCA) on fitness test results of a large sample may provide information on the aging-induced change in the motor ability structure of the general public. We complied the fitness test records of 7402 Koreans between the ages of 20 and 64, and performed PCA on the records of gripping, 50m dash, sit-ups, and shuttle runs, which indicate strength, speed, muscular endurance, and aerobic endurance, respectively. Our analysis shows the structural changes in motor ability around the age of 40 and 60 in Korea. We expect that the proposed approach can be applied to similar datasets from other countries or local communities to quantify any age-induced change in motor ability structure in each specific group.

Exploration of Viewpoints in Identification of Gymnastic Talent with the Back Hip Circle

In Japan, students attempt the back hip circle in physical education class in school. It is considered a simple teaching material with which children can experience feelings of achievement and pride. A major factor behind this is that schoolyards in Japan do not have an environment for gymnastics, equipped only with horizontal bars. Therefore, the path from horizontal bars to gymnastics may have been laid from that time. We applied the wavelet interpolation model to the accomplishment rate for the back hip circle in young children, and described the development curve of that accomplishment rate. We then considered the level of physical maturity associated with the accomplishment rate from the behavior of the development velocity curve, and investigated whether the back hip circle accomplishment rate on the horizontal bar was linked to identification of subsequent talent in gymnastics. The results showed that when the behavior of the accomplishment rate velocity curve was compared in boys and girls, the peak velocity in girls was already detected at around the age of 3–4, and maturity was clearly earlier. The ability to comply with a sequence of movements (sequence compliance ability) was examined only in young children, but girls were superior to boys in that ability and girls also had a higher accomplishment rate in the back hip circle. Thus, a close relationship between non-cognitive ability and the back hip circle accomplishment rate may be conjectured. The accomplishment rate curve for back hip circles shows a neural pattern, like the development curve for the 50-m dash, and is dependent on a neural pattern. Thus, performance in the back hip circle can be evaluated from an early stage, and since an element of gymnastics can be distinguished, it may be a barometer for judging gymnastics talent, including genetics. Abilities that show a neural development pattern have a high genetic component, and genetic traits are expressed from early childhood and are highly likely to trace until adulthood. Therefore, in such individuals the physical abilities of coordination, flexibility, quickness, balance, and endurance are superior, and the back hip circle is accomplished early. The possibility was shown this early accomplishment of the back hip circle and the conditions of short height and low body weight are very important information in talent identification for gymnastics.

Levels of Physical Fitness and Weight Status in Children and Adolescents: A Comparison between China and Japan.

This study compared the physical fitness level and weight status of children and adolescents in China and Japan. Children and adolescents aged 7–18 years were recruited (China: n = 5660; Japan: n = 5660). Physical fitness was assessed using seven core items—grip strength, 30-s sit-ups, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, 20-s repeated straddling, 20-m shuttle run test, and 50-m dash. A physical fitness index (PFI) was calculated by adding all items’ Z-scores. We conducted comparisons of PFI and its distribution, each physical fitness item, and weight status for individuals from China and Japan across all ages. The PFI was lower in China than in Japan for all age groups, with an especially large difference at age 18 years for boys (a difference of 9.05) and girls (a difference of 9.10) (p < 0.001). The same result was seen for the seven items. The PFI distribution for children and adolescents was more disperse among those in Japan than among those in China. Obesity prevalence was 2.84 times higher in China than in Japan. An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between physical fitness and nutritional status. Children and adolescents showed markedly lower physical fitness and higher obesity prevalence in China than in Japan.

Fundamental Motor Skills in Identifying Differences in Performance level between Students and Athletes Ages 10-12 years

Fundamental motor skills that are developed during childhood are considered to be the building blocks for sport-specific movement patterns and are typically the focus of physical development programs for children, to develop gross motor skills from early childhood. Specifically, it has been shown that within a sport-specific environment, fundamental motor skills can separate children with potential for sport success. This is because gross motor skills underpin the development of the more specific sport skills that will likely be required for future sport success.The study aimed to assess fundamental motor skills in identifying differences in performance levels between students and athletes aged 10-12 years living in Albania, and further examine the indicators obtained in order to study how these two groups of children compare to each other. The data gathered through this study are indispensable in revealing the level of obesity, physical and technical capacities and identifying talented athletes. 641 students coming from the primary and secondary school systems and 410 athletes were subjected to standard anthropometric measurements (weight/height/BMI), standard physical fitness tests (push-up, abdominal press high jump, long jump, horizontal stretch, 30m dash, shuttle run 112 m) and technical measurements (Bridling, passing boll, Moving in defence and shooting) Based on BMI standards for students and athletes of this age group, it can be observed that athletes demonstrate a growth in body mass, even the physical fitness and technical indicators tested speak for a bigger development of athletes . Therefore, testing procedures should be expanded from only subjective measures of players’ abilities and objective tests of specific conditioning capacities to the objective assessments of technical capacities connected to the motor skills of individuals. This could then be used to select children at an age when the goal is to identify those talented in basketball.

The role of age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition as determinants of physical fitness in nonobese children aged 6-12.

PurposeThe determinants of physical fitness in children have been given limited attention. In particular, the relative role of chronological age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition in physical fitness of children has been barely investigated. This cross-sectional study investigated determinants of physical fitness using a set of predictive variables including, in addition to chronological age and sex, a large panel of anthropometric measurements as well as body composition. The study was carried out in a convenience sample of children aged 6–12 participating in a summer camp.MethodsOne-hundred-ninety-three children (128 males) fulfilled all requirements and entered analysis. Health-related physical fitness components (speed, muscular power and balance) were explored by means of field tests, namely the 30-m dash test for running speed, the standing long jump and the seated chest pass test for lower limbs and upper body muscular power, respectively, and the flamingo balance test for static balance. Determinants of physical fitness were investigated by regression analysis using chronological age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition in a hierarchical approach. To minimize the expected effect of collinearity in predictor variables, an original statistical approach using Random Forests analysis was adopted.ResultsAge predicted 45.2%, 43.6%, 35.6% and 25.6%; and sex 9.5%, 10.7%, 6.3% and 2.0% of variance in the 30-m dash, seated chest pass, standing long jump, and flamingo balance test, respectively. Anthropometry and body composition explained a limited or no percentage of variance. The adjusted R2 (root mean square error) was 0.61 (0.31 s), 0.45 (0.32 m), 0.58 (0.15 m) and 0.41 (0.75 logs) for the 30-m dash, seated chest pass, standing long jump, and flamingo balance test, respectively making these models useful when physical fitness tests are not feasible.ConclusionsWe highlighted the respective role of chronological age, sex, anthropometry, and body composition in physical fitness of children in the wide age range 6–12 years. Data confirm and expand on previous literature by showing with a strictly conservative statistical approach that chronological age is a main determinant of physical fitness of both boys and girls, sex playing a limited role. The role of anthropometry was even less important, and no role was found for body composition. These findings should be considered when planning/implementing motor development or physical education programs.

ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AMONG STUDENTS AGED 10-12 YEARS IN ALBANIA

One of the major problems of Albania in this day and age is sedentary life characterizing children, a phenomenon which is observed in this age group in most parts of the world. However, the factors leading to this phenomenon in Albania seem to be of a different nature, as compared to those responsible in most developed countries. In general, a number of factors, such as lack of sports facilities, low economic development of the country and other social factors hinder the participation in physical activity and sport of young children living in rural and urban areas in Albania. While in urban areas technological advance also amounts to some extent to fewer and fewer children engaging in physical activities and sports in urban areas. The study aimed to assess anthropometric and physical skills development of students aged 10-12 years living in rural and urban areas of Albania, and further examine the indicators obtained in order to study how these two groups of children compare to each other. The data gathered through this study are indispensable in revealing the level of obesity, physical preparation and identifying talented athletes. 641 students coming from the primary and secondary school systems were subjected to standard anthropometric measurements (weight/height/BMI) and standard physical fitness tests (push-up, high jump, long jump, horizontal stretch, 30m dash, shuttle run 112 m). Based on BMI standards for children of this age group, it can be observed that children living in rural areas demonstrate a growth in body mass which is within the optimal range level for both boys and girls. Even the physical fitness indicators tested speak for a bigger development of children coming from rural areas as compared to their peers living in the city.