Motor Fitness Research Articles

Organization of 6th-Grade Schoolchildren’s Physical Training Under Quarantine Conditions

Study purpose. To determine the dynamics of 6th-grade schoolchildren’s motor fitness under quarantine conditions. Materials and methods. The study participants were 6th graders of the Pisochyn Lyceum, Pisochyn village, of a specialized class with in-depth study of mathematics, boys aged 11–12 (n = 13). The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. To analyse the schoolchildren’s physical fitness under quarantine conditions, the study used methods of theoretical analysis, systematization, comparison, pedagogical observations, and generalization of data of scientific and methodological literature. To organize the process of physical training of 6th-grade schoolchildren under quarantine conditions, the study used the Google Classroom educational platform with a notebook of physical self-education, posting of theoretical program material and monitoring of the pupils’ learning achievements through ZOOM conferences and test tasks. Results. According to a set of tests, there are statistically significant changes in testing results of the 6th-grade boys. Thus, in test No. 1 “Pull-ups”, the results deteriorated by 11.7% (p = 0.027), in test No. 3 “Sit-ups in 1 min” – by 3.7% (p = 0.046), in test No. 4 “Standing long jump” – by 1.5% (p = 0.001), in test No. 5 “30 m running” – by 5.5% (p = 0.001), in test No. 6 “1,000 m running” – by 7.6% (p = 0.001), in test No. 7 “Seated forward bend” – by 13.8% (p = 0.02). In test No. 2 “Push-ups”, the results deteriorated by 7.1%, the differences between mean values are statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The analysis of testing results revealed a negative influence of self-isolation on the dynamics of motor fitness of the 6th-grade boys. Distance physical education is not effective, it can only be used as one of the methods of the educational process.

Peculiarities of Motor Fitness Structure of 9-Year-Old Girls

Purpose. To determine the peculiarities of 9-year-old girls’ motor fitness structure. Materials and methods. The study involved 35 9-year-old girls. The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The study used the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The level of fitness of the 9-year-old girls is homogeneous by the development of “agility” and “movement coordination”, inhomogeneous – by the development of flexibility, arm strength, vestibular stability, and the level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. A graphic representation of a two-factor model of testing results shows that the analysis identifies two sets of data with high correlation coefficients. The first set includes tests No. 12, 13, 14, and 7, which characterize the level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises and relative arm strength; the second – tests No. 1, 10, and 5, which characterize the level of movement coordination development. Conclusions. Based on factor analysis, it was found that the level of proficiency in exercises determines the variation of testing results by 28.394%, and the development of motor skills is a priority in the educational process at primary school. The level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises shows that the exercises “Rope climbing in two steps”, “Rope climbing in three steps”, “One leg swing upward circle” are difficult for 9-year-old girls to perform. Based on the data analysis, it can be argued that the development of “arm strength” and “vestibular stability” ensures the formation of motor skills, and the improvement of their development level is the reserve in training girls aged 9 which will positively influence the formation of motor skills.

Gender-Related Peculiarities of Motor Fitness of 8-Year-Old Schoolchildren

The purpose of the study was to identify gender-related peculiarities of motor fitness of 8-year-old schoolchildren. Materials and methods. The study participants were 82 8-year-old schoolchildren (girls – 40, boys – 42). The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The study used the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. In the experiment, the study controlled the level of proficiency in the following exercises: shoulderstand, bridge from supine position, one leg swing upward circle. Results. In the girls and boys, the differences in the development level of movement coordination of individual parts of the body and vestibular stability are not statistically significant. The 8-year-old boys have a statistically significantly higher level of development of strength, speed strength, speed, endurance and a higher level of proficiency in acrobatic and gymnastic exercises than girls. Conclusions. A canonical discriminant function can be used to classify the gender-related peculiarities of motor fitness of 8-year-old schoolchildren. A discriminant analysis revealed the indicators that have the greatest weight in assessing the gender-related peculiarities of motor fitness of 8-year-old schoolchildren. They include the level of relative strength of shoulder flexors, speed strength, endurance, and the level of proficiency in shoulderstand.

An easy-to-apply series of field test for physical education teachers in an educational setting: ALPHA test battery

Valid and reliable measurement methods are the basic requirements that enable the measurement and evaluation process to reach education's basic goals. Usually, using laboratory-based tools and methods for measuring the physical fitness of students is not possible within school settings. Therefore, field-based tests provide crucial solutions to physical education teachers to measure both the physical fitness of school-aged students and the athletic competence of a school’s athletes. This study aims to identify the differences in physical-fitness levels between student athletes and non-athletes and determine the effectiveness of the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA) test battery in discrimination between these groups. Sixty-eight healthy male students (34 athletes and 34 non-athletes) participated in this study. As a major indicator of physical fitness in student athletes and non-athletes, the body mass index for assigned study groups was controlled. After a familiarization training, participants completed three test sessions in 48-hour intervals. The 20-m progressive shuttle run test for cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength test and standing broad jump test for musculoskeletal fitness, and the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test for motor fitness were used to measure the fitness levels of the groups. A t-test was used to determine the differences between athletes and non-athletes, and effect sizes were calculated to assess practical importance. Additionally, a discriminant function analysis was used to determine whether the ALPHA test battery could differentiate between athletes and non-athletes. The findings indicated that student athletes presented with significantly greater levels of fitness than non-athletes. Additionally, when the effect of body mass index was eliminated, student athletes and non-athletes were classified correctly at a rate of 70.6% using these tests. Therefore, this study shows that physical education teachers can use the ALPHA test battery to monitor athletic performance and identify talented students.

СТИМУЛЯЦІЯ ТВОРЧОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ СУБ’ЄКТІВ ОСВІТНЬОГО ПРОСТОРУ ЯК ТЕХНОЛОГІЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПСИХОЛОГІЧНОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я

The article is devoted to stimulate creative activity of subjects of educational space technologies for psychological health. In recent years there has been progress in the theory and practice of training and upbringing of the younger generation. increasingly makes use of new technologies of training and education. One of the features of modern democratic societies is a revision of the traditional goals of educational space, which today is not to create ideal conditions for the development of the personality involving free of any conflicts, the environment, and to ensure the systematization of mental and motor fitness of a person to transition to adulthood. And last but not least it is paid to creative activity, because creative activity is the basis of a strategy combining, first, a person must master the skills of a holistic perception of the image in all its facets. Raised by the research problem in this article is that the ability to formulate new combinations of known elements involves courage and independence in a kind of experimentation, willingness to trial and error, to actively search for successful combinations. All these positions are successfully transferred into practical experience and contribute to the development of fully informed and adapted individual in modern social and cultural space, and therefore her health as such. The purpose of this article is to highlight the outcomes of the empirical research and working with material that stimulates the creative activity of subjects of educational space in the context of health azarashvili technologies.In our study, was used the method of "Geocolor" in modification Vinnichuk I.P. To of research are criteria that relate only to the methodology of "Geocolor" and due to its purpose and peculiarities of working with a material that stimulates creativity. It technical and Executive criteria, with regard to the level of abstraction. First we understand how the use of different methods of preparing of an application (overlay pererozmischennya, ritmaa). The criterion of abstraction is considered as the ability to depart from the established traditional standards associated with a particular shape and color.Therefore, the search for the methodological and diagnostic approach that would best meet the requirements of our research continues. However, any empirical study should be based on proven and reliable data collection tools. To solve this problem, the method "Geocolor" was used. Conclusion. The analysis of the research results highlighted a certain dynamics: 72% of the subjects from the experimental group and only 60% from the control group fully coped with the task. The effectiveness of our experiment was tested by Fisher's test. According to the results of the study, it becomes clear that the preliminary mastering of the strategy of combining has a positive effect on the speed of production of images, as well as their diversity, variety.Originality. Given the plot-content saturation of the images, all the obtained images were conditionally divided into three types.

Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Obesity among Children and Adolescents

Background: Now a days unhealthy lifestyle primarily responsible for the dramatic increase obesity among children and adolescents.
 Objective: The purpose of the study is to see the effects of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention to reduce obese children and adolescents. The main outcome was cardiometabolic risk based on the waist-to-height ratio (WHTR) measurement. Secondary outcomes were (1) changes in body composition; (2) adherence to a Mediterranean diet; and (3) physical performance.
 Methods: The study involved 64 overweight/obese children or adolescents conducted at Dhaka Shishu Hospital from October 2017 to September 2018. The intervention was multidisciplinary including nutrition, exercise, and psychological aspects based on a family-based approach; it was delivered for six months for children and three months for adolescents. Before and after the intervention, several anthropometric measures height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body composition, cardiometabolic risk index waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), and dietary habits of the participants and their families were evaluated. In addition, a set of functional motor fitness tests was performed to evaluate physical performance measures.
 Results: After the intervention both children and adolescents showed a significant reduction in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, and WHTR index and an improvement of fat-free mass, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness performance.
 Conclusion: A short term family-based multidisciplinary approach is effective in ameliorating the health status, dietary habits, and physical performance in children and adolescents.
 DS (Child) H J 2019; 35(2) : 111-118

Physical fitness, hippocampal functional connectivity and academic performance in children with overweight/obesity: The ActiveBrains project

ObjectivesPhysical fitness is a modifiable factor associated with enhanced brain health during childhood. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to examine: (i) whether physical fitness components (i.e., cardiorespiratory, motor and muscular fitness) are associated with resting state functional connectivity of hippocampal seeds to different cortical regions in children with overweight/obesity, and (ii) whether resting state hippocampal functional connectivity is coupled with better academic performance. Patients and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 99 children with overweight/obesity aged 8–11 years were recruited from Granada, Spain (November 2014 to February 2016). The physical fitness components were assessed following the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery. T1-weighted and resting-state fMRI images were acquired with a 3.0 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Tim Trio system. Academic performance was assessed by the Woodcock-Muñoz standardized test. Hippocampal seed-based procedures with post-hoc regression analyses were performed. ResultsIn the fully adjusted models, cardiorespiratory fitness was independently associated with greater hippocampal connectivity between anterior hippocampus and frontal regions (β ranging from 0.423 to 0.424, p < 0.001). Motor fitness was independently associated with diminished hippocampal connectivity between posterior hippocampus and frontal regions (β ranging from −0.583 to −0.694, p < 0.001). However, muscular fitness was not independently associated with hippocampal functional connectivity. Positive resting state hippocampal functional connectivity was related to better written expression (β ranging from 0.209 to 0.245; p < 0.05). ConclusionsPhysical fitness components may associate with functional connectivity between hippocampal subregions and frontal regions, independent of hippocampal volume, in children with overweight/obesity. Particularly, cardiorespiratory fitness may enhance anterior hippocampal functional connectivity and motor fitness may diminish posterior hippocampal functional connectivity. In addition, resting state hippocampal functional connectivity may relate to better written expression.

Impact of the percentage of muscle and fat tissue and muscle strength on the quality of life of people over 60 years of age

Introduction: Physical activity is crucial in a person’s life. It has an impact on health, motor and mental fitness. Implementation of physical activity affects the percentage of human body tissues. The aim of the study is to conduct an analysis influence of the percentage of muscle and fatty tissue and muscle strength on the quality of life of people over 60 years of age. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 86 patients (the average age was: 72) from Geriatrics Clinic, qualified for Geriatric Comprehensive Assessment in scheduled mode. Measurements of anthropometric parameters were performed: 1) for body composition was used TANITA weight; 2) for muscle strength measurement of the upper limbs was used a hand dynamometer; 3) quality of life measurement by the FACIT scale. Results: In case of the higher percentage of adipose tissue, the lower muscular strength of the patients. In case of the higher percentage of muscle mass, the higher muscular strength of the patients. Correlation of muscle strength (kg) with the quality of life (4 domains measured by FACIT scale) was significant and amounted respectively: physical domain R = 0.34 (p < 0.001), social domain R = 0.25 (p = 0.031), emotional domain R = 0.27 (p = 0.021), functional domain R = 0.35 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results clearly present that the higher muscle strength of older people has an influence on a higher level of quality of life. It is necessary to aware carers of the elderly people that physical activity maintain as much muscle mass and strength as possible which contributes to ensuring the best quality of life for the elderly.

Bidirectional longitudinal associations of fatness with physical fitness in adolescents with Down syndrome. The UP&DOWN Longitudinal study.

The aim of this study was to examine the bidirectional longitudinal associations of several markers of fatness and physical fitness in adolescents with Down syndrome. This study comprised a total of 111 adolescents (41 females), aged from 11 to 20years with complete data at the baseline. We had a drop-out of <10% from the baseline to the 2-year follow-up. The ALPHA health-related fitness test battery for youth was used. Our results show that all fatness variables at the baseline were associated with a 2-year change in cardiorespiratory fitness (β ranging from -0.32 to -0.38; all p<.05), but not with muscular and motor fitness (p>.05). However, no associations were found between physical fitness components as predictors and fatness indicators (p>.05). Results suggest that reducing fatness during adolescence might represent a modifiable factor to improve cardiorespiratory fitness at the 2-year follow-up, but not vice versa since associations were not bidirectional.

Associations between physical activity, body composition, and physical fitness in the transition from preschool to school

The purpose of the study was to assess the longitudinal associations of physical activity (PA) with body composition and physical fitness (PF) at the 12-month follow-up during the transition from kindergarten to school in Estonian children aged 6 to 8years (n=147). PA and sedentary behavior (SB) were assessed using the accelerometer. Body composition was measured from triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses and PF using PREFIT test battery. SB at the mean age of 6.6year had negative relation with upper and lower body strength and motor fitness at the mean age of 7.6year in adjusted models. Light PA (LPA) and moderate PA(MPA) at 6.6year were positively and SB was negatively associated with fat-free mass index (FFMI) at 7.6year after adjustments for confounders [vigorous PA (VPA), total awake wear time, child's sex, age at measurement]. Substituting 5min/d of SB at 6.6year with 5min of VPA was related to higher FFMI at 7.6year. In adjusted models, VPA at 6.6year was positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness at 7.6year, greater baseline VPA or moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) predicted greater upper body strength a year later and LPA, MPA, VPA, MVPA at 6.6year were positively related to lower body strength at follow-up. In adjusted analysis greater VPA at 6.6year was related to better motor fitness at follow-up. Promoting higher-intensity PA and reducing SB at preschool may have long-term effects on body composition and PF in children at the first grade.

Physical fitness and white matter microstructure in children with overweight or obesity: the ActiveBrains project

Recent studies investigated the association of cardiorespiratory fitness with white matter microstructure in children, yet little work has explored to what extent other components of physical fitness (i.e., muscular or motor fitness) are associated with white matter microstructure. Indeed, this association has not been previously explored in children with overweight/obesity who present a different white matter development. Therefore, we aimed to examine associations between physical fitness components and white matter microstructure in children with overweight/obesity. In total, 104 (10.04 ± 1.15 years old; 43 girls) children were included in this cross-sectional study. Physical fitness was assessed using the ALPHA-fitness test battery. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity were derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). No association was found between physical fitness and global DTI metrics (all P > 0.082). Within individual tracts, all associations became non-significant when analyses were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Using the voxel-wise approach, we identified a small cluster in the left lateral frontal lobe where children with greater upper-body muscular fitness showed higher FA (PFWE-corrected = 0.042). Although our results cannot conclude physical fitness is related to white matter microstructure in children with overweight/obesity; those findings indicate that the association of muscular fitness with white matter microstructure might be more focal on frontal areas of the brain, as opposed to global differences.

EFFECT OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS INTENSITY ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF 5–6 AND 6–7-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN

Aim. The article aims to identify the effect of regular physical activity of medium and high intensity on the functional status of 5–6 and 6–7-year-old children. Materials and methods. The study involved children assigned for health reasons to the main medical group. A set of indicators characterizing the physiological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of the functional status was used. The experimental programs differed in the intensity of physical exercises. Results. Training programs based on high-intensity physical exercises contributed to a significant improvement in the functional status of the body, autonomic supply, physical performance and physical fitness compared to medium-intensity training programs. Comparison of functional indicators in children revealed that in 5–6-year-old children the level of general activation both in a state of calm wakefulness and under information loads at all stages of the study was higher than in 6–7-year-old children, while physical performance and motor fitness, on the contrary, were lower. Conclusion. The obtained results provide the evidence that 5–6 and 6–7-year-old children making physical exercises of high intensity performed better than those who had exercises of medium intensity as resulted from the degree of positive changes in functional indicators.

The effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on neuroimaging, biological, cognitive and motor outcomes in individuals with premanifest Huntington's disease

BackgroundHuntington's disease (HD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition for which there are currently no proven disease-modifying therapies. Lifestyle factors have been shown to impact on the age of disease onset and progression of disease features. We therefore investigated the effects of a nine-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention on neuroimaging, biological and clinical disease outcomes in individuals with premanifest HD. Methods31 individuals with premanifest HD participated in the study. Eighteen participants underwent a nine-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention comprising aerobic and resistance exercise, computerised cognitive training, dual-task training and sleep hygiene and nutritional guidance. The remaining 13 participants were allocated to a standard care control group. Neuroimaging, biological, cognitive, motor and cardiorespiratory fitness data was collected. ResultsParticipants displayed good adherence (87%) and compliance (85%) to the intervention. Maintenance of the shape of the right putamen was observed in the intervention group when compared to the control group. The intervention group displayed significant improvements in verbal learning and memory, attention, cognitive flexibility and processing speed following the intervention when compared to the control group. Performance on the mini-social cognition and emotional assessment (mini-SEA) was maintained in the intervention group, but decreased in the control group. No changes were observed in serum neurofilament light protein levels, postural stability outcomes or cardiorespiratory fitness. ConclusionThis study adds to the accumulating body of literature to suggest that multidisciplinary rehabilitation is of clinical benefit for individuals with HD. Large randomised controlled trials are necessary to determine the extent to which benefits occur across the spectrum of the disease.

Physical Function Of Aged Population Is Predicted By Motor Competence And Physical Fitness

Fitness and cognitive status on aging has been widely studied and well reported on literature. Independence and functioning are decisive in elders life quality. Motor competence has been associated to children physical activity levels and healthy weight status. Whether or not Motor Competence has additional value in promoting physical function on aging is not well stablished. PURPOSE: to investigate the relationship and influence of motor competence, physical fitness and cognitive status on physical functioning, in aged population. METHODS: institutionalized participants were recruited as a convenience sample in three day-care centers (N=283, women N=184, mean age = 82.05±7.70 years). Physical functioning was assessed through self-report using a composite physical function scale. Physical fitness was evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test. Motor competence was evaluated as the proficiency in overarm throw a tennis ball, measuring the ball velocity, and standing long jump. Cognitive performance was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination test. T test was used to test the difference between women and men in all variables. Pearson correlation between physical functioning, physical fitness and motor competence was performed. Stepwise regression was used to identify the predictor variables of physical functioning. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Men had significant better motor competence and physical fitness results than women. In women, the highest correlation were found between physical functioning and Chair stand (r=0.25), standing long jump (r=0.19) and 2-min step (r=0.19). In men, the highest correlation were found on 2-min step (r=0.30) and overarm throw (r=0.27). Stepwise regression retained the following variables: 2.44 m up-&-Go, standing long jump, and sex (F(3; 212) = 33.73; p < 0.001, R2 = 0.32). Men has an estimate of more 2.162 points in physical functioning than women. Physical functioning is estimate to increased 1 point for every -0.151 s in 2.44 m Up-&-Go, and 1 point for every 0.051 cm in standing long jump. CONCLUSION: Despite having found significant moderate to low correlations in both men and women, it seems that both Motor Competence and Fitness status has important influence on physical functioning.

Association Between Strength Fitness And Gross Motor Function In Children: A Us National Study

It was believed that children with better motor function and skills will be likely more physically active. Yet, contribution of fitness, especially muscular strength, to children’s motor function and skill has not been well understood. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between core and upper-body strength and gross motor function in children using a US national sample. METHODS: Three data sets in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS) were merged: Test of Gross Motor Development – Second Edition (TGMD-2), modified pull-up, and plank. TGMD-2 total score (TGMD-2 TS) was calculated by adding “Local motor subtest raw score” and “Object control subtest raw score” together. Descriptive statistics and correlations of TGMD-2 TS, “# of correctly completed modified pull-ups (M-Pull-up)”, and “# of seconds planks position is held (Planks)” were computed using the 2012 NNYFS data. RESULT: A total of 6375389 of boys and 6134317 of girls who aged between 3 and 5 yr. old participated in 2012 NNYFS, and their performances (M±SD) in gross motor function and fitness, as well as their correlations (r), are summarized below: Table CONCLUSION: As children become older, core and upper-body strength seems playing a positive impact on children’s gross motor function in both boys and girls.

An assessment study of selected motor fitness variables of urban and rural male students of senior-secondary schools

An assessment study of selected motor fitness variables of urban and rural male students of senior-secondary schools

Comparative Analysis of Motor and Functional Fitness of 6th Grade Boys of an Underfilled School Under Quarantine Conditions

The purpose of the study was to determine the dynamics of motor and functional fitness of 6th grade boys of an underfilled school during the school year under quarantine conditions. Materials and methods. The study involved 6th grade boys (n = 6), who were 11 years old at the beginning of the experiment. The study used methods of mathematical statistics for processing research results, analysis of scientific and methodological literature, testing to assess schoolchildren’s motor and functional fitness. Study results. The indices of the 6th grade students’ motor fitness deteriorated significantly after quarantine. A comparative analysis of the arithmetic mean of the indices showed that in shuttle run 4x9 m (agility) the results deteriorated by 3%, push-ups (strength) by 24.1%, pull-ups (strength) by 41.6%, bent arm hang (strength) by 18.8%, standing long jump (speed and strength qualities) by 1.29%, trunk bend in lying support (flexibility) by 41.5%. As of September 2020, the indices of functional fitness of the 6th grade students also decreased. A comparative analysis of the arithmetic mean of the indices showed that in Shtange test the results deteriorated by 12.6%, and in Genchi test by 14.3%. The introduced quarantine measures and distance learning have negatively affected the schoolchildren’s motor and functional fitness. Conclusions. During the school year, the boys show a positive dynamics of results, and after quarantine measures there is negative dynamics, due to the lack of physical education classes. The testing results indicate the possibility of improving physical education classes, increasing motor activity, enhancing the level of motor fitness, based on the sensitive period of children’s development and individual approach to each school student.

Motor Skills in the Structure of Physical Fitness of 7-Year-Old Boys

The purpose of this study was to determine the weight of motor skills in the structure of motor fitness of 7-year-old boys. Materials and methods. The study participants were 38 7-year-old boys. The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The research methods used in the study include analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The level of fitness of the 7-year-old boys is homogeneous by the development of “agility” and “movement coordination”, inhomogeneous – by the development of arm strength and vestibular stability. The 7-year-old boys’ motor fitness is determined by their physical development, the level of general physical fitness and the level of motor skills development. A graphic representation of a two-factor model of testing results shows that analysis identifies two sets of data with high correlation coefficients. The first set includes tests No. 2, 1, 4, and 5, which characterize physical development, agility and endurance; the second – the level of proficiency in exercises No. 14, 13, 12, and the result of test No. 7 “Mixed hang rope pull-ups”. Conclusions. Based on factor analysis, the study found that the level of proficiency in exercises determines the variation of testing results by 28.437%, and the development of motor skills is a priority in the educational process at primary school. The development of “agility” and “movement coordination” ensures the formation of motor skills, and the development of arm strength and vestibular stability is the reserve in training boys aged 7 which will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the educational process.

Structure of Motor Fitness of 7-Year-Old Girls

The purpose of the study was to determine the structure of motor fitness of 7-year-old girls. Materials and methods. The study participants were 27 7-year-old girls. The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The research methods used in the study include analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. The study recorded the primary schoolchildren’s level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. The coefficient was determined by the formula: p = (m/n)×100, where p is the level of proficiency, m is the number of successfully performed exercises, n is the total number of attempts to perform the exercise. In the experiment, the study controlled the level of proficiency in the following exercises: forward roll; backward roll; shoulderstand with bent legs. Results. The level of fitness of the 7-year-old girls is homogeneous by the development of “agility” and “movement coordination”, inhomogeneous – by the development of flexibility, arm strength, and vestibular stability, level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. The analysis of the coefficients of variation points to heterochrony in the development of the 7-year-old girls’ motor abilities. Based on the data analysis, it can be argued that the development of vestibular stability ensures the formation of motor skills in girls. Based on factor analysis, it was found that the most informative indicators of motor fitness of the 7-year-old girls are the level of proficiency in acrobatic exercises, the results of test No. 7 “Mixed hang rope pull-ups, times” (r = 0.872) and test No. 10 “Maintenance of stable posture – standing on one leg with closed eyes, s” (r = 0.870). Conclusions. Based on factor analysis, it was found that the level of proficiency in exercises determines the variation of testing results by 29.772%, and the development of motor skills is a priority in the educational process at primary school. The development of vestibular stability ensures the formation of motor skills, and the level of general physical fitness is the reserve in training girls aged 7, which will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the educational process.

Conceptualising and testing the relationship between actual and perceived motor performance: A cross-cultural comparison in children from Australia and Germany

ABSTRACT Previous studies investigating the relationship between motor skill, physical activity and fitness in children have not thoroughly considered the role of self-perception. Therefore, the study aim was to test a theoretical framework, which considered both actual and perceived motor skill as well as actual and perceived fitness. Potential moderating effects of sex and country were considered. Data on motor skill, fitness, as well as self-perception of motor skill and fitness were collected from 145 Australian children and 214 German children (age range 7 to 10 years). For actual motor skill and fitness, mean differences for sex, age and country were found. For perceived motor performance (perceived motor skill and perceived fitness) no mean differences were found for age. Path analyses were performed. The final model showed significant relations between actual performance (object control skill, fitness) and perceived performance (object control skill, fitness). All model paths had low to moderate regression weights with the lowest relationship reported between actual and perceived fitness. Sex and country showed no effects. This integrated approach has led to a better understanding of the relationship between children’s perceived and objective performance, and cultural differences within them.