Results Of Physical Fitness Tests Research Articles

Body Composition and Physical Fitness Tests Among US Army Soldiers: A Comparison of the Active and Reserve Components.

US Army reserve soldiers and active-duty soldiers differ in their daily work demands and supporting resources, yet research on reservists' health and fitness is lacking. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine whether physical test failure rates and health behaviors differed between active-duty soldiers and reserve soldiers and (2) establish which demographic and health behavioral factors were associated with failing physical tests. We analyzed a sample of 239 329 US Army active-duty and reserve soldiers surveyed from September 2013 through March 2015 using the Global Assessment Tool. We extracted data on soldier demographic characteristics and health behaviors, as well as Body Composition Test (BCT) and Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) results. We compared the 2 groups using the active-to-reserve adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for each variable. We used logistic regression models to determine which variables were associated with failing these tests. The odds of failing the BCT (aOR = 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.78) or the APFT (aOR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.30-0.32) were lower among active-duty soldiers than among reservists, and the odds of doing high levels of high-intensity interval training (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.42-1.51), resistance training (aOR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.42-1.48), and vigorous physical activity (aOR = 2.92; 95% CI, 2.86-2.98) were higher among active-duty soldiers than among reservists. The odds of using tobacco (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.35-1.40), binge drinking alcohol (aOR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.09-1.13), having insomnia (aOR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.43-1.48) or mild depression (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.48-1.53), and sustaining a physical activity-related injury (aOR = 2.52; 95% CI, 2.47-2.57) were higher among active-duty soldiers than among reservists. Policy makers and military leaders could use this information to implement health screenings and tailor health-promotion, intervention, and treatment programs.

Motor coordination as predictor of physical fitness in prepubertal boys

Abstract Motor competence is associated with numerous health-related variables of the pediatric population. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of the level of motor coordination on performance in several physical fitness tests in prepubertal boys, before and after controlling body mass. The sample consisted of 71 Brazilian eight-year-old boys. Anthropometry included stature, body mass and estimates of fat mass and fat-free mass. Biological maturation was evaluated by the percentage of predicted adult stature. The physical tests applied were 2-kg medicineball throw, handgrip strength, sit-ups in 60 seconds, standing long jump, 10x5-m shuttle run, 20-m shuttle run and sit and reach. Motor coordination was assessed by the Korperkoordinationtest fur Kinder (KTK). For data analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Student’s t-test and ANCOVA were used, with body mass as covariate. Significance level was set at p <0.05. There was no difference in maturational level between the different groups of coordinative performance. The results showed that boys with better performance in motor coordination tests are associated with better results in physical fitness tests, especially those involving body mass displacement. This trend remained even when comparing groups controlling body mass, except for the sit-up test. Therefore, it could be concluded that motor coordination is a predictor of physical fitness in prepubertal boys.

Physical fitness in preschoolers according to body composition

The objective of this study was to investigate physical fitness of preschoolaged children just before entering school according to their body mass index, and to examine possible associations of body mass index, fat mass and fat-free mass with physical fitness in preschool-aged children. Two hundred and fifty-six preschoolers aged 6 to 7 years participated in the study. Physical fitness was assessed using PREFIT test battery and body composition was estimated using four skinfold thickness parameters. Overweight children had lower cardiorespiratory fitness and lower results in all weight-bearing fitness tests, and better handgrip strength test result in comparison with normal-weight children. Significant associations were found between body composition indices and the results of physical fitness tests. Higher BMI associated negatively with weight-bearing physical fitness tests. The results of the research indicate that weight-status and body composition have significant effect on physical fitness in 6–7 years old preschoolers.

Correlation between Physical Fitness Components and Academic Achievement in Elementary School Students

Background : Physical fitness is a degree of health status as a basic physical condition of someone to perform daily activity. Elementary school students should have a good physical fitness to obtain satisfactory academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement. Methods : This study used an observational analytical method with cross-sectional design, conducted from September−October 2013, using total sampling method. There were 82 students of the 4th−6th- grade from Cikeruh 2 elementary school at Jatinangor. The school was chosen by random selection. The physical fitness assessment in this study consisted of step test to measure cardiorespiratory endurance, body mass index (BMI) for body composition, push-up for muscular strength and sit-up for muscular flexibility. Academic achievement was collected from the last examination result. Each component of physical fitness test results were converted to a score and then categorized. Results : Most students (74.4%) had fair physical fitness, boys 68.3%, and girls 80.5%. No correlation was found between physical fitness and academic achievement (p=0.432 and r=0.162). Conclusions : There is no significant correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement.

Subjective Perception of the Realities of Modern Physical Education Classes Among Physical Education Teachers and Students in Higher Grades

Background. Intense changes in national education require new students’ teaching technologies in physical education. There are a number of studies, published books or articles on the topics of modern physical education classes and they provide guidance for teachers, but we believe that there is a lack of modernity in the reality of physical education, still focusing on sports lessons avoiding non-traditional content of the lessons. Research aim was to reveal the subjective opinions of physical education teachers and students in higher grades about the realities of modern physical education classes.Methods. The sample included physical education teachers (n = 33) and 10–11 th grade students (n = 324), who were selected applying the convenience sampling strategy from Kaunas city schools. The research employed a questionnaire by Pate, Corbin, and Pangrazi (1998), and some more questions of interest to the researchers were added. The survey was conducted in spring of 2012. The research participants were surveyed in their schools during the classes with the consent of physical education teachers and students and with the permission of school administration received in advance. Results. Students more often pointed out the lack of attention to individual work and its implementation, just one-fifth of the students indicated that lessons met their needs and physical education teachers sometimes met modern requirements, showing sincerity, respect, etc. The survey showed that physical education classes were still largely dominated by sports and movement skills, and only sometimes by the non-traditional or healthy lifestyle. Teachers more often than students highlighted the progress and initiative criteria. The most common means of discipline for students in physical education were a whistle and loud shouting.Conclusion. Physical Education teachers tend to subjectively better evaluate the contemporary realities of physical education classes compared to students. Teachers more often indicated that they applied independent work in their lessons, and thought that the lesson content met the needs of the students and led enough to unconventional physical activity and healthy lifestyle. Students more often pointed out that teachers never assessed them according to their progress in the development of their physical qualities and knowledge during lessons. In the opinions of teachers and students, physical fitness test results are still common evaluation criteria in the lessons.Keywords: lesson, physical education, modern, teachers.

KEBUGARAN FISIK SISWA RETARDASI MENTAL RINGAN SEKOLAH DASAR LUAR BIASA KUNCUP BUNGA DENPASAR LEBIH TINGGI SESUDAH MELAKUKAN PELATIHAN SENAM PINGUIN DARI PADA SENAM RIA ANAK INDONESIA

Physical fitness is ability to perform the activity or activities without feeling tired excessively. Physical fitness associated with a person`s organs to carry out its tasks properly every day without experiencing significant fatigue. In a child’s mental retardation with a les mobile lifestyle that will affect his physical fitness. The purpose of this study to determine which type of gymnastic exercise better to the physical fitness on the students in Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa Kuncup Bunga Denpasar.This research used experimental method using Randomized study Pre and Post Test Group Design. The subjects in this study were students in Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa Kuncup Bunga Denpasar. There were 18 students which is divided into two groups: group-1 is senam penguins and group-2 is senam ria anak Indonesia. Data were obtained after a six-week training analyzed by paired t-test and unpaired t-test.The results of physical fitness test before training with Senam Penguins was 23.39 ± 1.69 and the test results after the training was 27.87 ± 3.28. the physical fitness test in group-2 before training with Senam Ria anak Indonesia was 22.69 ± 1.76 and the results after training was 24.64 ± 2.11. Paired t-test in both group before and after training showed significant differences after training in group-1 and group-2 with a value of p &gt; 0.05 with an increase in physical fitness test results of (19.15) in group-1 and (8.64) in group-2. The percentage increase physical fitness test results of group-1 with senam penguins is higher than those in group-2 with senam ria anak Indonesia.So we can conclude that the training of senam penguin in Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa Kuncup Bunga Denpasar improved the physical fitness test results higher than senam ria anak Indonesia.

Associação entre cognição e habilitação para direção veicular em idosos

Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre la cognición y los resultados finales de los exámenes de aptitud física y mental para habilitación vehicular en adultos mayores.Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado en clínicas de tránsito acreditadas para realizar exámenes de habilitación vehicular. La muestra del tipo probabilística fue constituida por 421 adultos mayores (≥ 60 años). Los datos fueron colectados por medio de Mini Examen del Estado Mental (MEEM) y consulta en el Registro Nacional de Conductores Habilitados. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva y aplicación de los testes Kruskal-Wallis y Qui-cuadrado. Los valores de p≤0,05 indicaron significancia estadística.Resultados: Para el MEEM el puntaje promedio fue de 27,13 ± 2,53 puntos, 92,2 % (n =388) presentaron cognición normal y 7,8 % (n =33) comprometimiento cognitivo. En cuanto a los resultados de las pruebas de aptitud física y mental para habilitación vehicular 71,5 % (n =301) se consideraron aptos con restricción, el 21,9 % (n =92) aptos y el 6,7 % (n =28) inaptos temporales. Se observó una asociación significativa entre los resultados de la habilitación vehicular y los escores cognitivos (p&lt;0,001) y no hubo asociación a las categorías cognitivas (p =0,172). Los escores más bajos de cognición se identificaron en ancianos aptos con restricción e inaptos temporalmente. Conclusión: Los resultados evidencian la inconsistencia del MEEM para evaluar la cognición. Se recomienda a las clínicas de tránsito la utilización del MEEM con cautela, como herramienta de evaluación cognitivo en conductores adultos mayores.

FTO POLYMORPHISM AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN OBESE SCHOOLCHILDREN AFTER AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM

ABSTRACT Introduction: Recent studies have shown that the association of FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism with obesity depends on the level of the individual’s physical activity. However, there are some studies that evaluated physical fitness, health, and motor performance in relation to the rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism. Objective: To evaluate how the rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism affects the results of physical fitness tests related to health and athletic performance in schoolchildren after 4 months of intervention of physical exercise. Method: The rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism was genotyped in a total of 36 schoolchildren from southern Brazil, aged 8 to 16 years. Body mass index (BMI), health-related physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, abdominal strength/endurance, and flexibility) and motor performance (upper and lower limb strength, agility, and speed) were evaluated. The intervention included exercise strategies based on Physical Education, healthy eating, and oral and postural care. Results: In the experimental group, after the intervention, significant differences were noted in individuals with the TT genotype. These individuals showed improvements in abdominal strength (p=0.025), lower limb strength (p=0.037) and agility (p=0.021). For individuals with the AA/AT genotype, improvements in flexibility (p=0.026), abdominal strength (p=0.002), upper limb strength (p=0.008) and lower limb strength (p=0.001) were observed. However, these differences were not statistically significant when comparing the TT and AT/AA genotypes. Conclusions: The experimental group showed improvements in abdominal strength, lower limb strength, and speed. Yet, individuals with different genotypes (AA/AT and TT) for polymorphism rs9939609 exhibited similar values for indicators of physical fitness, health, and motor performance. Level of Evidence II; Lesser quality RCT.

Association between physical fitness test results and flight duty limitations due to spinal disorders

Introduction: Exposure to high +Gz force has been associated with an increased risk for spinal disorders among military pilots. The Finnish Air Force has for several years used physical fitness tests in the selection process of pilot candidates in order to evaluate their aerobic and muscular fitness. The aim of the study was to determine if physical fitness and anthropometry measured in the selection tests of military pilots can predict permanent flight duty limitations due to spinal disorders during military pilots’ career.

Analysis of cadets’ anthropometric characteristics

Anthropometric data reflect the quality of life, high working capacities and potentiality of individual creative abilities. The physical working and physical fitness capacities depend on physical health, physical development level, physical activity and healthy lifestyle. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the principal anthropometric characteristics, levels of physical activity and sports tests results in a group of cadets. We assessed the principal anthropometric characteristics (height, body mass) as well the anthropometric indices (body mass index) of cadets of the National Defence Academy in their 1st year of study and in the same group of cadets after three years, in their 4th year of study. We provided a questionnaire for the cadets in the study group concerning their physical activity and analysed the data of the standardized Nordic Questionnaire about Musculoskeletal Symptoms. The average values of the main anthropometric characteristics of the respondents in the 1st year of study were the following: height – 180.4±1.3 cm and body mass – 79.5±1.7 kg. After three years, we fixed the changes of body mass in the examined group: in 53% of cadets, the body mass had increased by more than two kg, but in 47% of respondents, body mass had remained at the same level. The average data in the study group of the 4th year students were: height 181.2±1.3 cm and body mass – 81.3±2.5 kg. Physical fitness is an indispensable part in the daily routine of each cadet. Physical fitness characterizes an individual’s cardiorespiratory status, muscular strength and endurance as well as velocity and coordination. The fitness level of a person determines the results of the annual sports tests (sit-ups, push-ups and cross-country race). The results were stable for 68% of respondents. We also included the questions related to musculoskeletal symptoms (pain). Musculoskeletal pain symptoms have an impact on each individual’s physical fitness level. The physical activity levels in the respondents’ group were high. They were closely associated with physical fitness, 76% of the respondents showed high results in annual physical fitness tests.

Assessment of body composition and the anthropometric parameters of the military personnel during high physical load exercises

Military activities are characterized with high physical endurance exercises and the psychological load. The cadets of the last study year participate in the combat training course lasting for ten days. The combat training course is a challenge for military officers. It is characterized with the transition from the daily military study process routine in the National Defence Academy to military exercises in the external environment. The cadets face feeding limitation, sleeping deprivation, intensive and continuous training, strict discipline, etc. Such a situation requires the adaptation to a novel way of activity, which includes hardships and arduous training. We provided the assessment of the body mass fluctuation during the combat training course. We provided the analysis of anthropometric parameters before, during and after the combat training course, summarized the data of the health statement and health problems that are fixed in the medical cards. The proper body mass supports the good health capacity. The body composition undergoes changes during the higher physical load performance. The analysis of the average value of the body mass and the Body Mass Index have shown large individual changes inside the groups. Physical fitness and body composition have an adverse effect on military performance. The assessment of the results of physical fitness tests is provided differentially according to the individual corresponding age subgroup. The military personnel have a high risk for the health concerning the impact of external and internal factors. According to the review of the medical cards of the cadets group we indicated the main problems which are fixed after the combat training course. These are acute respiratory infections, dermatological problems, locomotor system problems, gastro-intestinal problems.

Selection and Preparation of Young Middle Distance Runners

This study analyses the problem of selection and training of young athletes for middle distance running. The study was carried out in two stages. The first stage of the study was a questionnaire survey. The participants of the survey where 22 Lithuania’s big city coaches that train young middle distance runners. Most of the participants (61.1 %) were men. Almost half (44.4 %) where aged from 51 to 60 years old, one fifth (22.2 %) – 20 to 30 years old. One third of the participants (33.2 %) had a working experience of up to 30 years. All of them had a higher education, and most of them (88.8 %) graduated university in Lithuania. In the second stage of the study, the participants where 25 (76 % girls) children from 11 to 13 years old, who attended track-and-field training sessions with an emphasis on middle distance running. Average age was 12.3 ± 0.9 years for girls, and 11.7 ± 0,8 years for boys. Measurements of their physical development (height, body mass, chest girth, vital capacity) and physical fitness (60 meter run, standing long jump, 300 meter run) where taken. Descriptive data are presented as means (X), standard deviation (Sx), and percentage values. One Sample T test was used for comparison of physical development and physical fitness of participants with provided reference points. The relationship between two variables was determined using correlation coefficient r. The significant level was set to p ≤ 0.05. The date where analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Half (50 %) of Lithuanians middle distance running coaches who participated in the study stated that they are using a selection process to find talented kids, other half (50 %) of participants stated that they invite all children to train, and dont carry out the selection process. In the initial stage of a long-term preparation, coaches carry out a variety of tests/studies. On average every three months coaches measure the changes in physical fitness of young runners. Analysis of the results of physical development and physical fitness tests shows that height and weight measurements of girls where significantly (p < 0.05) higher, and chest girth, 60 m and 300 m running results were significantly (p < 0.05) worse than recommended for both genders. Keywords: selection, young runners, coaches, middle distance running. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15823/sm.2017.2

Analysis of physical fitness tests and the body composition of the military personnel

The Body composition is related to higher physical performance and a lower risk of health problems, it connects to external and internal factors. Military activitiesf are characterized with a high physical load and a psychological load, physical fitness and the body composition have an adverse effect on military performance. The primary purpose of the body composition and physical fitness is related to the selection of individuals the best suited to the demands of military service [2,10]. The proper body mass supports good health capacity [11,13]. The maintenance of body composition and appropriate physical fitness standards by the military personnel is affected by the intrinsic factors such as the individual’s genetic factors, development history, social background, and extrinsic factors, environmental changes and institutional, systemic changes. The effects of the excess body mass are widespread, raise the variety of concerns relevant to the health and performance of the military personnel [1,3,4,5]. The diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and heart disease increased with the obesity [6,7,9,12]. The individuals with overweight have more medical complication than the individuals with the standard body mass. The higher body mass index was associated with higher morbidity and mortality [8]. We have classified individuals according to the age into subgroups and provided the evaluation of the body composition on the basis of the main anthropometric characteristics as well the analysis of the standard physical fitness tests results. The analysis of the average value of the body mass and the Body Mass Index have shown large individual changes inside the subgroups and between the subgroups. The assessment of the results of physical fitness tests is provided differentially according to the individual corresponding age subgroup. The analysis of the respondent data reveals the overweight and obesity problem that became actual with the increasing the age of individuals. Physical fitness tests results have shown that the excellent physical fitness evaluation is received by about 33–44% of the military personnel that reflects a high unit of operational readiness.

The set of test tasks assessing special physical fitness of 17-year-old soccer players

Background: The objective of the research was to work out the set of test tasks assessing special physical fitness of 17-year-old soccer players. Material/Methods: At first, on the basis of the analysis of the said issue in literature and the authors’ own coaching experience, 13 test tasks were selected. Next, reliability and accuracy of the chosen test tasks were examined on the group of 16 athletes from the Centre of Sports training for youth in Gdansk. The reliability was assessed by the test-re-test method and the accuracy according to a criterion of internal accuracy tests. Except for one task, all efficiency tests met scientific requirements for motor tests. Finally, with the use of statistical analysis (linear regression equation, Hellwig’s algorithm of the optimal choice of explaining variables), four tests implementing most information for the assessment of game-play were chosen. Results: A four-task set of tests assessing selected components of physical fitness reflected 86.7% of the game-play of young competitors. Conclusions: Results of special physical fitness tests should be treated as important information about young athletes’ special physical efficiency, closely interdependent with the effectiveness of their activity in a classified game-play, but only when the tests themselves have previously been scientifically proved.

The Effects of Aquatic Exercises on Physical Fitness and Muscle Function in Dialysis Patients.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 3-month physical training program, conducted in an aquatic environment with end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD), on the physical fitness and functional parameters of the knee joint muscles. Patients and Methods. The study included 20 ESDR patients with mean age 64.2 ± 13.1 y. treated with hemodialysis in Dialysis Center of the University Hospital in Wroclaw. Before and 3 months after the physical training in water, a test was performed to evaluate the physical fitness of each patient; additionally, a measurement was taken of force-velocity parameters. The 3-month training program took place on nonhemodialysis days, in the recreational pool of the University of Physical Education in Wroclaw. Results. After aquatic training cycle, an improvement was observed in all parameters measured using the Fullerton test. The value of peak torque and its relation to body mass increased in the movement of flexors and extensors of left and right lower extremities in all tested velocities. Conclusions. In assessing the physical fitness of studied women, the biggest improvement was achieved in tests assessing the strength of upper and lower extremities as well as lower body flexibility. Higher values of force-velocity parameters are conducive to women achieving better physical fitness test results.

Relationship between physical fitness and body composition in primary school children in northern Spain (Logroño)

Childhood obesity is an epidemic that is more prevalent in developed countries, but the negative effects it has on children's health could be decreased by good physical fitness. The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical fitness of a group of school children in a city in the North of Spain (Logroño, La Rioja), and to analyze the relationship with the body composition, blood pressure and various socio-demographic factors. Research was conducted with a representative sample of 329 students aged 11-12 from all 31 schools of the city. Data included their socio-demographic background, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, biological maturity and physical fitness. Male students and students with normal body weight fared better in physical fitness tests than females and than those who suffered from overweight or obesity. 88% of boys and 80% of girls were found to have healthy aerobic capacity, while only 73% of immigrant children demonstrated this. A major risk of suffering from overweight or obesity was associated with inferior results in physical fitness tests, finding inverse relationships between the percentage of body fat and maximal oxygen uptake (r = -0.524), lower-body explosive strength (r = -0.400) and speed performance (r = 0.385). The relationship between physical fitness and body composition demonstrates the importance of intervening in order to improve physical fitness, especially with respect to aerobic capacity, with special emphasis needed for immigrant and female students.

A randomized controlled trial of an office-based physical activity and physical fitness intervention for older adults

This primary care-based study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a 24-week intervention on physical activity and physical fitness in a group of community-dwelling older adults. Secondary aims were to determine the effect of the intervention on self-efficacy and barriers to physical activity. Intervention participants (n = 36) received an exercise prescription based on physical fitness test results and personal choice. Comparison participants (n = 36) received a nutrition intervention. Both groups received 10 follow-up telephone calls. Repeated measures ANOVA analyses showed no direct effects of the intervention on the primary outcomes of physical activity or physical fitness in the intervention group (p > 0.05). Secondary analyses with ANCOVA that included potential moderating variables of age, gender, income, BMI, and support for physical activity showed that the intervention group significantly increased frequency of all physical activity (F = 3.50, p < 0.05) as well as the fitness outcomes of lower body strength (F = 3.63, p < 0.05) and aerobic endurance (F = 4.03, p < 0.05). This is one of the first studies to evaluate the use of fitness measures to increase physical activity and fitness in the primary care setting. The intervention improved some aspects of physical activity and fitness for selected participants.

看護女子学生における8週間の継続的運動が体組成,体力および精神的健康度に及ぼす影響

To determine the effectiveness of habitual exercise on the health promotion of college students, we measured the body composition and physical fitness of female nursing students before (Pre) and after (Post) an 8-week low-intensity exercise intervention. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of their mental health condition before and at every 4 weeks during the intervention. The quantity of physical exercise increased (P < 0.0001) from 0.9 ± 0.2 METs･hr/week in the pre-intervention period to 6.6 ± 0.7 METs･hr /week during the intervention period. The exercise intervention did not alter the body weight, but decreased the body fat (Pre, 26.8 ± 0.5%; Post, 24.9 ± 0.5%, P < 0.01) and increased the whole-body muscle mass (Pre, 69.1 ± 0.5%; Post, 70.8 ± 0.4%, P < 0.01). The results of physical fitness tests showed that the intervention promoted muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, agility, and muscular power. The scores for mental health were significantly raised by the intervention. These results suggest that habitual exercise for 8 weeks was effective for the promotion of physical and mental health in female nursing students.

Development of selected motor skills in boys and girls in relation to their rate of maturation – a longitudinal study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the process of how motor skills were developed and shaped in boys and girls in relation to their rate of maturation, based on the use of peak height velocity (PHV), which measures biological maturity.MethodsThis study made use of a longitudinal study researching the physical fitness of boys and girls from Kraków, Poland during the years 1980–1990. From the original sample population, 296 boys and 196 girls were selected for further analysis. Physical fitness tests were administered over the subsequent decade, measuring the following motor skills: speed, explosive strength of the lower limbs, static strength of the right and left hand, agility, dynamic strength of the abdominal muscles, static endurance of the upper limbs and shoulders, and flexibility. On the basis of the median and PHV age quartiles for both sexes, the examined individuals were divided into two cohorts: early maturers and late maturers. The mean values and standard deviations of the physical fitness test results were calculated based on biological age. Afterwards, the means and standard deviations of each tested motor skill of the early maturers were standardized into means and standard deviations of the late maturers.ResultsThe motor skills best performed in all age groups and in both sexes by early maturers were in tests of static strength of the hands. In the group of boys, early maturers in all age groups also performed the best in tests of speed and explosive strength of the lower limbs. Late-maturing girls were positively differentiated in each age group in tests of static strength of the upper limbs and shoulders, and in the dynamic strength of the abdominal muscles.ConclusionsThe rate of maturation was found to significantly influence the results of fitness tests, particularly in the case of boys.

Estimation equation for the evaluation of the health status of middle-aged and elderly individuals based on the results of physical fitness tests: a proposal for use as an initial screening test

Estimation equation for the evaluation of the health status of middle-aged and elderly individuals based on the results of physical fitness tests: a proposal for use as an initial screening test