Analysis of Children’s Physical Characteristics Based on Clustering Analysis

Abstract

This study assessed the physical development, physical fitness (muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, agility, power, balance), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in a total of 4410 children aged six (73–84 months) residing in Korea. Their physical fitness was visually classified according to the physical fitness factor and—considering that children showed great variations in the physical fitness criteria depending on their physique and body composition—the study aimed to assess characteristics such as physique and BMR, the precursor for fat-free mass, based on the physical health clusters selected through a multivariate approach. As a result, the physical health clusters could be subdivided into four clusters: balance (1), muscular strength (2), low agility (3), and low physical fitness (3) cluster. Cluster 1 showed a high ratio of slim and slightly slim children, while cluster 2 had a high proportion of children that were obese, tall, or heavy, and had the highest BMR. We consider such results as important primary data for constituting physical fitness management programs customized to each cluster. It seems that it is necessary to have a multidirectional approach toward physical fitness evaluation and analysis methodologies that involve various physical fitness factors of children.

Research of Reliability and Informativeness of Indicators of Muscular Fitness of Karate Boys Aged 8 Years

“…Knowledge about the importance of control at the initial stage of schoolchildren's sports training and the consideration of such important characteristics as reliability and informativeness has been expanded (Liqin Yin, Changfa Tang & Xia Tao, 2018;Pochettia, Ponczosznika, Filártigaa, et al, 2018;Marchenko & Verdysh, 2021). The results obtained in this way will further contribute to the effective selection and use of various tests, the development of effective control programs, and the consideration of its results in the further planning of sports activities (Chernozub, Danylchenko, Imas et al, 2019;Kim, Won & Shin, 2021;Marchenko, Khudolii, Ivashchenko et al, 2023). The study also contributes timely detection of shortcomings during training at different stages of sports improvement.…”

“…It can also have a preventive effect on athletes involved in combat sports to prevent injuries (Pocecco, Ruedl, Stankovic et al, 2013;Follmer, Dellagrana, de Lima et al, 2017;Lystad, Augustovičova, Harris et al, 2020). Marchenko & Handymov (2021), Kim, Won, & Shin (2021), and Hontarenko, Marchenko, & Korol (2022) note that regular strength training can contribute to an increase in physical activity, improve physical fitness and individual health only when it is part of a general physical education or sports program Marchenko & Satdyiev (2021), Marchenko & Handymov (2021), for the development of strength in 10-year-old boys and girls engaged in Kyokushinkai karate, proposed the use of special outdoor games and game exercises as an effective means in the educational and training process for the complex improvement of strength abilities. According to Ropret & Jevtić (2019), Perreault & Gonzalez (2021), and Siswantoyo, Sudarko, Arga et al (2023), the concept of martial arts training programs for children should be conducted in a playful way, cause pleasant sensations, and avoid specialization stages.…”

Multiscale Impact of Environmental and Socio-Economic Factors on Low Physical Fitness among Chinese Adolescents and Regionalized Coping Strategies

“…CRF and MSF in adolescents are also significantly associated with overweight and obesity, mental health, cognitive level, academic performance, and bone health [ 11 , 12 ]. At the same time, in the context of health improvement, adolescents should focus on physical fitness [ 13 ]. Enhancing the physical fitness of children and adolescents is an important means of enhancing health across the lifespan [ 5 ].…”

Силові Здібності: Оцінка Та Особливості Розвитку Хлопців Каратистів Молодшого Шкільного Віку

“…Strength abilities are one of the components that are the foundation for learning motor actions (Khudolii, Ivashchenko, Iermakov, Nosko & Marchenko, 2019;Minenko & Marchenko, 2021;Kim, Won & Shin, 2021). The acquisition of strength and motor competence is achieved not only through growing up, but also through constant interaction with a stimulating and supportive social and physical environment (Balushka, Khimenes, Okopnyi, Pityn, Sohor & Tkach, 2020;Marchenko & Satdyiev, 2021;Marchenko & Handymov, 2021).…”