Eurofit Test Battery Research Articles

Physical Activity Levels During Physical Education Classes and Their Impact on Physical Fitness in 10-Year-Old School Children: A Comparative Study

Background/Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine the differences in physical fitness according to the level of physical activity (PA) during physical education classes in 10-year-old school children. Methods: The research included 315 primary school children (age 10 ± 1.3 years), divided into three groups by level of PA: low, moderate and high. A Eurofit test battery was used to evaluate the physical fitness of children. Physical activity (volume (number of steps) and intensity) was measured using a Coach Gear pedometer and a Suunto Memory Belt heart rate monitor. Results: Presented results indicate that there are significant differences between groups of children of both genders in relation to the level of PA. Group of boys with low PA showed lower values in sit and reach (p = 0.01), standing long jump (p = 0.02), bent arm hang (p = 0.04) and polygon backwards (p = 0.01) compared to the remaining two groups. Girls with low physical activity showed significant differences in sit and reach (p = 0.01) and bent arm hang (p = 0.01) compared to the other two groups, while in hand tapping, the high PA group showed better results compared to the other two groups (p = 0.03). Conclusions: The results reported in this research support the significant effects of PA level on physical fitness in school children. Less active children generally showed poorer physical fitness in both genders.

Relationships of body build and physical activity with the physical fitness of high school students

Background: Physical fitness determines resourcefulness, i.e. the ability to effectively solve various tasks faced by a person and, therefore, to cope with various situations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of body build and physical activity with physical fitness in high school students. Methods: The research covered 194 students (104 women and 90 men) aged 16-18, attending randomly selected high schools in the Rzeszów district. The research methods were a diagnostic survey and the Eurofit test battery. The Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used in the analyses. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the preferred forms of physical activity (p=0.041, p=0.008) and the subjective assessment of physical fitness (p=0.015) and the sex of the respondents. There were statistically significant sex-related differences in the Sit-and-Reach (p<0.001), Standing Broad Jump (p<0.001), Hand Grip (p<0.001), Sit- Ups (p<0.001), Bent Arm Hang (p< 0.001), Shuttle Run (p<0.001), and Endurance Shuttle Run (p<0.001). In both groups, there were statistically significant relationships between the subjective assessment of physical fitness and the results of physical fitness tests (p<0.05). Conclusions: Women chose dancing more frequently and considered their physical fitness to be average, while men preferred team sports and assessed their physical fitness as very good. Women are characterized by greater flexibility, and men by greater explosive strength of lower limbs, static strength, strength endurance of trunk muscles, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. In both groups, the higher the subjective assessment of physical fitness, the better the results of individual physical fitness tests.

The effects of the 'active before school' programme on the academic skills of 8-9-year-old children: a physically and cognitively engaging intervention.

Literature underscores the significance of exercise and cognitive stimulation for achieving academic success. This study aims to investigate the effects of the technology-based "Active Before the First School Bell" programme, comparing the effects of two school-based interventions (physical activity vs. cognitive engagement) on the academic skills of 8-9-year-old children. This encompasses their school skills, visual-motor coordination, levels and attitudes towards physical activity, and fitness. The study involved 88 primary school children (age: 8.3 years, 58.0% girls). To assess the programme's distinct effects children were categorised into three groups. The first group (n = 31) participated in cognitive classes (CEG), the second (n = 27), in physical activity classes (PAEG), and the third (n = 30), was a control one (CG). A 12-week intervention, consisting of three 15-min sessions per week before school, was implemented. Self-report questionnaires gauged levels of physical activity. Academic skills were assessed using a battery of diagnostic methods for school failure in early childhood education. Fitness was measured using selected items from the Eurofit test battery. Pre- and post-test measures were collected and analysed, employing one-way ANOVA on ranks with Dunn's post-hoc tests. Significant post-test differences between the groups were observed in visual spatial function, with the PAEG outperforming the CG, and in auditory and language functions, where both experimental groups outperformed the CG. Results suggest that before school physical activities may be more effective than cognitive activities in improving the academic skills. The short-term effects obtained provide insights for implementing before-school programmes for children in the early school years.

Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical Fitness Parameters in Preadolescent Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose:This study aims to assess the impact of yoga on physical fitness among healthy primary school children using a randomized control design. Material and Methods:A total of 52 children, aged 8-13, were randomly assigned to either the Yoga Group (n = 27, mean age = 10.48 ± 1.25 years) or the Control Group (n = 25, mean age = 11.20 ± 1.50 years). The participants underwent evaluation using the EUROFIT Test Battery as the primary outcome measure.The Yoga Group engaged in 45-minute yoga sessions twice a week for a duration of 10 weeks, while the Control Group received no intervention. Outcome assessments were repeated at the conclusion of the 10-week intervention period. Results:Significantly positive enhancements were observed in the Yoga Group across various components of the EUROFIT Test Battery, including balance, speed, flexibility, muscle endurance, and cardiovascular endurance. Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that yoga interventions contribute to improvements in physical fitness among preadolescent children. Consequently, incorporating yoga exercises into the school curriculum is recommended, given their efficacy, minimal resource requirements, and positive impact on sports readiness.

The effect of 10weeks of karate training on the development of motor skills in children who are new to karate.

This study investigated the effect of a 10-week karate training program on the motor skill development of 5-7-year-old children new to karate with two different test batteries. A total of 28 participants were included in the study: 18 in the Karate group and 10 in the control group. The karate group was subjected to a fundamental karate training (kihon) program consisting of 90-minute sessions four days a week for ten weeks in addition to physical education classes at their schools. In contrast, the control group did not participate in any sportive activities except physical education classes in their schools. Data were collected using the Eurofit test battery and the TGMD-2 test. In the pre-post test comparison of the anthropometric measurements of the karate group, no significant difference was found in the control group. In contrast, a significant difference was obtained in height, body mass index, and body fat percentage. In the post-test analysis of the two independent groups, there were statistically significant differences in favor of the karate group regarding height and body fat percentage (p < 0.005). In the pre-post analysis of the Eurofit test and the TGMD-2 for the karate group, all parameters showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no statistical difference. After comparing the karate and control groups, the Eurofit Test and TGMD-2 post-test results showed significantly higher scores (statistically significant differences) in all parameters for the karate group. In conclusion, the study shows that the 10-week karate training program positively affected the motor development of the participating children.

Evaluation of physical fitness in Indian children by EUROFIT test battery

Introduction: Physical activity is a key component in maintaining and improving health, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Fitness tests are usually assessed in laboratories or on field. Field tests, as compared to laboratory tests, are widely used for their lower costs, and less time of administration. The EUROFIT test battery is a reliable field test for assessing fitness in children. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate physical fitness through flexibility, agility, speed, balance, endurance, and strength tests using the EUROFIT test battery in children involved in sporting activities and those who are not regularly involved. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 kids of primary class from a school in Kolkata, attending sports classes and general studies. For the sports category, we included children who were engaged in outdoor sports, whereas nonsports group comprised kids who did not participate in regular outdoor sports activities. Anthropometric measurement and the physical fitness tests were executed in a definite order and a comparative study was done between sports and nonsports groups. Results: Students having sports backgrounds performed significantly (P &lt; 0.05) better than nonsports in five out of nine assessed parameters of the EUROFIT Test Battery. Conclusion: The result of the study showed better results in all tested variables in sports group children than nonsports participants. Our study provides valuable fitness data for children, which has utility for health and fitness screening, profiling, monitoring, and surveillance.

Physical fitness profile of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Low levels of physical activity in high- to low-income countries, including South Africa, pose a great risk of cardiovascular-related diseases. This study aimed to assess and compare the physical fitness profile among children. The study setting comprised rural and urban primary school learners in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. A cross-sectional study was adopted utilising a randomly selected sample of boys and girls aged 9-14 years. Physical fitness measures were assessed using the Euro-fit test battery. Some parametric tests were used for mean comparisons of the various anthropometric measurements and physical fitness characteristics across demographics. The sample consisted of 870 primary school learners. The average weight and height of the sample were 39.29 ± 10.34 kg and 144.06 ± 10.81 cm, respectively, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 18.80 ± 4.11 kg/m2. The results showed that boys reported significantly high levels of physical fitness. Sit-ups (p ≤ 0.001) and VO2 max (p ≤ 0.001) significantly increase with age, while all the physical fitness measures were significantly higher among rural-based learners. Rural-based learners and boys generally had better physical fitness performance than their peers. The effect of gender and place of residence should be considered when designing physical fitness interventions. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge about the effect of demographic factors on the physical fitness profile of children, where boys and rural-based learners are reported to be more physically fit than their counterparts.

Evidence for the Psychometric Properties of Component Test Items in the Eurofit Test Battery administered to Elite Schoolboy Rugby Union Players: A Test-retest Reliability Study

Rugby is a popular sport and requires participants to have commensurate physical attributes for effective participation. One physical fitness test battery which enjoys extensive use contextually is the European Test of Physical Fitness (Eurofit). However, the psychometric properties of the test battery have not been explored and documented in the local context. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the test-retest reliability of the Eurofit test battery items among elite schoolboy rugby players in Harare, Zimbabwe. Thirty-two (32) players with the mean age of 17.2 (SD=1.03) years completed all the tests during the in- season period. Anthropometric and Eurofit test measurements were obtained twice with seven days separating the assessments. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) estimated the reliability test items. The global ICCs for the Eurofit test items ranged from 0.59 to 0.98. The Sit-and-Reach test yielded the highest temporal reliability (ICC=0.98). The Plate Tapping test, Flamingo Balance test and 10×5m Shuttle Run test showed ICCs &lt; 0.7. Cognisant of the study limitations, some component test items of Eurofit test battery can be recommended for reliably evaluating aspects of physical fitness in junior rugby players in Zimbabwe whilst others still need consideration and test modification.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EUROFIT TEST BATTERY AND FREESTYLE SWIMMING TIMES OF 7-11 YEARS OLD SWIMMERS

The correlation between specific attributes such as strength, power, balance, flexibility, and swimming speed can play a significant role in the selection process. Tests like the Eurofit test battery can provide insights into the evaluation of these parameters. However, very few studies have focused on the correlation between data obtained from the Eurofit test battery and swimming speed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the Eurofit test battery results and freestyle swimming times in the age range of 7-11 years for swimmers.&#x0D; A total of 30 athletes participated in the study, including 14 males and 16 females. The tests were conducted according to the instructions of the Eurofit Test Battery in a manner consistent with its guidelines. Correlation tests were applied to assess the strength of relationships among all parameters based on the normal distribution status of the athletes' data. Pearson correlation test type was used for parameters exhibiting a normal distribution, while Spearman Rank correlation test type was employed for parameters not showing a normal distribution. In the findings, a significant positive correlation was found between free still swimming time and balance, arm movement time (sec), while a significant negative correlation was found between flexibility, long jump, hand grip and 30 s sit-up. As a result, it can be said that balance and arm movement speed are positively correlated with free still swimming time of elementary school swimmers, whereas 30 s sit-up (sec), hand grip strength, long jump and flexibility are negatively correlated.

Sex-related differences in the physical fitness of adolescents aged 16 to 18 years

Background: Human motor skills are the sum of all motor abilities and manifestations of activity. Somatic and functional differences between women and men may affect sex-related differences in motor skills. The aim of this research was to analyse sex-related differences in the physical fitness of young people aged 16 to 18 years.Material and methods: The research comprised 194 students attending randomly selected high schools in the Rzeszów district, including 104 females and 90 males aged 16 to 18 years. The research tool was the Eurofit test battery. The Mann-Whitney U test was used in the analyses.Results: There were statistically significant differences in the following tests for all studied groups: Sit-and-Reach, Standing Broad Jump, Hand Grip, Sit-Ups, 10×5 metre Shuttle Run, Endurance Shuttle Run (p&gt;0.05). In the group of 18-year-olds, there were statistically significant differences between sexes in the Flamingo Balance test (p=0.003), whereas between the groups of participants aged 17 (p&lt;0.001) and 18 years (p&lt;0.001), differences were noted in the Bent Arm Hang test.Conclusions: Females, regardless of age, are more flexible than males. In turn, males, regardless of age, are characterised by greater explosive power of the lower limbs, greater static strength, strength endurance of the trunk muscles, greater speed and agility, and cardio-respiratory endurance. In the case of 18-year-olds, females were characterised by better static balance. In 17- and 18-year-old males, functional strength of the shoulder girdle and arms was higher in males than females. The speed of movements of the upper limb was not a differentiating feature between the examined females and males.

Does incorporating high intensity interval training in physical education classes improve fitness outcomes of students? A cluster randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention lasting 12 weeks on fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed, flexibility, and balance) and adiposity of 10- to 15-year-old students implemented during their physical education (PE). The focus of this study was to compare two approaches to increasing fitness level among school-aged children, one approach focusing on regular PE sessions in accordance with the curriculum and another one on regular PE classes augmented by HIIT. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted (February-May 2022, Zagreb, Croatia). The total number of students across both groups was 207. General linear models were used to compare fitness and adiposity changes in both groups based on Eurofit test battery. A significant effect of the HIIT intervention was present for the 20-meter shuttle run test (p = 0.001; d = 0.31). The effect of the intervention compared to the control was estimated as an additional 181.2 m, 95 %CI (70.4 to 292.0). An additional intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed that the effect of the HIIT intervention on 20-meter shuttle run test remained statistically significant (p = 0.011), though the magnitude of the estimated effect was reduced from 181.2 m; SE = 55.4 to 119.6 m; SE = 46.4. Whilst it appears HIIT had the opposite of the expected effect on body fat percentiles, the effect on body composition was inconsistent. The intervention is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) [ACTRN12622000209796].

Do maturation, anthropometrics and leg muscle qualities influence repeated change of direction performance in adolescent boys and girls?

The ability to change direction rapidly is a key fitness quality especially in invasive sports where young players perform approximately 300 changes of direction in a game. There is currently limited understanding of how anthropometric characteristics and maturation status influence change of direction ability in adolescent. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to assess the influence of anthropometrics and maturation status on change of direction ability in young people. The study involved 706 adolescents (367 girls) aged 14-19-year-old attending the same high school in Northern Italy. Stature, body mass, seated height and leg length were measured to determine the anthropometrics and maturation status of the participants. Repeated change of direction ability (10 × 5 m shuttle run test), lower limb power and muscle strength were evaluated using field tests from the Eurofit test battery. Maturity offset was calculated separately for boys and girls, in accord with the equation proposed by Mirwald. Preliminary analysis with 10 × 5 m as a dependent variable and sex and PHV as a fixed factor, suggests a significant difference between sex (p < 0.001; d = 0.35) but not with PHV (p = 0.986; d = 0.000) and interaction PHV × sex (p = 0.836; d = 0.000). Our results suggested that repeated change of direction performance was influenced by anthropometrics, maturation and muscle qualities in adolescent boys and girls.

Association between physical fitness and anthropometric, cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors in primary schoolchildren in KwaZulu‑Natal Province, South Africa

Background. Physical fitness (PF) status in children has been identified as a predictor of chronic disease risk factors, and has also been linked to various non-communicable diseases and an increased risk of premature death in adulthood. Studies have shown that PF has been declining. In South Africa (SA), a similar trend is noted and attributed to urbanisation and shifts from traditional active practices to sedentary lifestyles. &#x0D; Objectives. To examine possible associations between PF levels and socioeconomic status (SES) and anthropometric and cardiovascular risk factors among 407 primary schoolchildren aged 6 - 13 years in KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA. &#x0D; Methods. In a cross-sectional study, children’s PF scores were assessed using the Eurofit test battery: sit and reach, standing long jump (SLJ), sit-ups (SUs), 5 m shuttle run (5m-SRT) and cricket ball throw (CBT). SES was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Standardised procedures were used for anthropometric and cardiovascular measures. &#x0D; Results. Girls weighed significantly more than boys (p=0.001) and had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (p&lt;0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p&lt;0.001) and hip circumference (HC) (p&lt;0.001), while boys performed significantly better in SLJ (p=0.030), SUs (p=0.022), CBT (p&lt;0.001) and 5m-SRT (p&lt;0.001). A significant low negative correlation was found between PF and BMI (r=–0.151; p=0.002), WC (r=–0.107; p=0.031) and HC (r=0.123; p=0.013). Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified BMI as the main predictor of low PF (odds ratio 1.16; 95% confidence interval 1.01 - 1.33) in this cohort of primary schoolchildren. The occurrence of low PF status in children of primary school age may be influenced by gender and adiposity. &#x0D; Conclusion. Assessment of PF at policy levels as part of the health screening process may help create a more explicit depiction of the health status of children and assist in early identification of risk factors.

Health-Related Physical Fitness is Associated with Total and Central Body Fat in Children Aged 6 to 10 Years

Study purpose. This study purpose was to investigate whether health-related physical fitness is associated with total and central body fat in school children aged 6–10 years.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A total of 2197 Macedonian children aged 6–10 years (1096 boys and 1101 girls) participated in the study. Health-related physical fitness was measured by the modified EUROFIT test battery: the 20 m shuttle run test (cardiorespiratory fitness); the handgrip strength test, the standing long jump and the 30 s sit-ups tests (muscular strength); the 4×10 m shuttle run test (motor fitness) and the sit and reach test (flexibility). Body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference were used as markers of total and central body fat, respectively.&#x0D; Results. The standing long jump, the 30 s sit-ups, the 4×10 m shuttle run and the 20 m shuttle run tests were negatively associated with all markers of total and central body fat in boys and girls after controlling for age (p&lt;0.01). The handgrip strength test was positively associated with all markers of total and central body fat (p&lt;0.01). No statistically significant correlation was established between the markers of total and central body fat and the sit and reach test.&#x0D; Conclusions. The present study broadens previous findings in children and adolescents which demonstrate correlations between the health-related physical fitness components, chiefly the muscle strength, the agility and cardiorespiratory fitness and total central adiposity. Fitness assessment should be introduced in future epidemiological and intervention studies in school children because it seems to be an important factor determining health.

Effect of a Three-Month HOPSports Brain Breaks® Intervention Program on the Physical Fitness Levels of Grade 6-Learners in South Africa.

Despite the numerous health benefits of being physically active, children are not active enough. Various researchers have indicated that intervention programs improve physical fitness levels. Still, only a few have focused on improving physical fitness levels by incorporating technology. HOPSports Brain Breaks® are designed and presented as physical activity solutions with online videos requiring the participants to imitate the movements. These videos are 2–5-min classroom activity breaks. This study determined the effect of a three-month HOPSports Brain Breaks® intervention program on the physical fitness levels of Grade 6-learners. Physical fitness was measured with the EUROFIT test battery. The experimental group consisted of 79 children (26 boys and 47 girls) and the control group of 47 children (16 boys and 33 girls). The mean age for the entire group was 11.92 (±0.36) years. The results indicated that there was a statistically (p ≤ 0.05) and practically (d ≥ 0.20) significant difference between the experimental and control group for percentage body fat; stork balance; plate tapping; sit-and-reach; standing jump; sit-ups; and 10 × 5 m shuttle run and 20 m shuttle run between the pre-and post-test. Therefore, considering the results mentioned above, the HOPSports Brain Breaks® intervention program can indeed contribute to the improvement of physical fitness, and motor skills of children. Therefore, future studies should be conducted to determine the effect of HOPSports Brain Breaks® between genders as well as what impact it will have on academic performance.

Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience.

Background: In combat sports, successful competition and training require comprehensive motor fitness. The aim of this study was to diagnose the level of physical fitness and to determine the level of differences between athletes of combat sports characterized by stand-up fighting, such as Muay Thai; and ground fighting, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Methods: The study examined and compared 30 participants divided into two equal groups: Muay Thai athletes (n = 15; age: 24.24 ± 3.24; body height: 174.91 ± 5.19; body weight: 77.56 ± 7.3), and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) (n = 15; age: 22.82 ± 1.81; body height: 175.72 ± 7.03; body weight: 77.11 ± 8.12). Basic characteristics of the somatic build were measured. Selected manifestations of the motor potential of motor skills were also evaluated using selected tests from the EUROFIT test battery, the International Test of Physical Fitness, and computer tests of coordination skills. Relative strength and maximal anaerobic work (MAW) indices were calculated. The strength of the relationship between the effect of motor fitness and training experience was also assessed. Results: The athletes of both groups (Muay Thai and BJJ) presented similar levels of basic characteristics of the somatic build. Motor fitness in the tested groups showed significant differences between the athletes of these sports in static strength (p = 0.010), relative strength (p = 0.006), arm muscle strength in pull-ups (p = 0.035), and functional strength in bent arm hanging (p = 0.023). Higher levels of these components of motor fitness were found for the athletes in the BJJ athletes. In the Muay Thai group, significant very high strength of association was found between training experience and five strength tests. Furthermore, a significantly high strength of association was found in two tests. In the BJJ group, significant relationships with very high correlation were found between the variables in five strength tests. Conclusions: Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes performed better in strength tests (static strength, relative strength, shoulder girdle strength, functional strength). High correlations between the training load and the level of physical fitness were found in flexibility and strength tests in BJJ athletes and most strength tests in Muay Thai athletes.

INVESTIGATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ATTENTION LEVELS IN ATHLETE CHILDREN

Although it is known that physical fitness in children has an effect on cognitive functions, the relationship between physical fitness and attention levels is unknown in children who do regular sports. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and attention level in children aged 7-12 who do sports and to compare it with children who do not do sports. 55 athletes (25 boys; 30 girls) and 55 non-athletes (26 boys; 29 girls) participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 11.63±0.77, respectively; 11.80±0.67 years. Children participating in the study were divided into 2 groups as athletes and non-athletes. Physical fitness levels of the children were evaluated with the Eurofit Test Battery. Attention levels were determined using the Bourdon Attention Test (BAT). When the two groups were compared in terms of physical fitness parameters and attention levels, significant difference was found in favor of the athlete (p0.05). As a result of our study, it was found that the attention levels were more developed in athlete children with higher physical fitness parameters. Considering that attention deficit has an important place today, we suggest that children with attention deficit should be directed to sports activities and included in attention deficit treatments.

Adölesan Serebral Palsili Bireylerde Fiziksel Aktivite ve Fiziksel Uygunluk Seviyelerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate physical activity and physical fitness in adolescents with cerebral palsy.Material and Methods: Forty individuals (20 cerebral palsy and 20 asymptomatic adolescents) were included in the study. Physical activity levels were measured by Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents; balance, agility, flexibility and arm movement speed, which are physical fitness parameters, were evaluated with Eurofit test battery; lower extremity muscle strength was evaluated with Muscle Force Evaluation Form; functional independence in the quality of life the individuals was evaluated with Functional Independence Measurement scales and cardiopulmonary endurance was assessed by 6-minute walking test.Results: In statistical analysis, there was no significant difference between two groups for the assessment of agility, 6-minute walk test, flexibility, arm movement speed, balance. There was a significant difference in physical activity and functional independence in favor of asymptomatic group.Conclusion: As a result of our study, it was determined that the levels of physical activity and physical fitness of the adolescents with cerebral palsy were lower. We believe that it is important to direct these individuals to sports and recreational activities, to increase their physical activity and fitness levels, and to reduce difference with their asymptomatic peers.

Test–retest reliability of the EUROFIT test battery: a review

Test–retest reliability of the EUROFIT test battery: a review

The effects of pilates on posture and physical fitness parameters in 5–6 years old children: A non-randomized controlled study

BackgroundInactivity is a public health problem. Physical activity is beneficial at any age, but is even more critical in childhood for healthy development and growth. ObjectivesThe purpose of this non-randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on posture and physical fitness parameters in 5–6 years old healthy children. MethodsFour preschool classes were divided into two groups. Five-six years old 66 preschool children were assigned to the Pilates (n = 31) and control (n = 35) groups. The Pilates group received a Pilates program twice a week for 10 weeks. The control group continued their daily routines. Postural assessment was evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Chart test and physical fitness was evaluated with the Eurofit test battery. Children were blinded to assignment. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between groups, and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used for within-group comparisons. ResultsIn this study, within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in the New York Posture Rating chart test (p < 0.001), Flamingo Balance, Sit and Reach, Standing Broad Jump, 30-Second Sit-Up, Bent Arm Hang, and 20-Meter Shuttle Run test scores (p < 0.05). ConclusionPilates has positive effects on physical fitness parameters and postural evaluation in preschool children. This study suggests that Pilates can be an entertaining alternative physical activity in children aged 5–6 years. Clinicaltrials.numberNCT05210426.