Assessing the Evolution of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents for Evidence-Based Teaching

Abstract

Physical fitness is one of the most important health indicators in children and adolescents. This study aims to assess the evolution of physical fitness levels in children and adolescents (9 -14 yrs) related to weight-status, providing evidence-based instructions for physical education teachers, and promoting the quality of physical education programs. The sample consisted of 542 early adolescents aged 9 -14 years (M = 269, F = 273) recruited from secondary schools in Italy. Physical fitness was assessed with the following motor test: SBJ, MBT, 10 × 5 and One Mile RWt. In addition to descriptive statistics, independent samples T-test and factorial ANOVA were carried out to compare and assess the evolution of motor performances over time. Multiple linear regression analysis was executed to investigate the variance in motor test explained by weight and height. Results evidence a significant increase in SBJ and MBT, but not in 10 × 5 and OneMile Run/Walk test, in about all age groups, both in male and female, normal weight and overweight/obese. Data analysis suggests that strength test in which is required single movement execution is more associated and conditioned by individual growth and anthropometrics factors than test required repeated movement and greater coordinative engagement.

Physical Illiteracy and Obesity Barrier: How Physical Education Can Overpass Potential Adverse Effects? A Narrative Review

“…In an appropriate environment, the earlier children learn, develop, and improve their motor behavior by a wide variety of motor skills, the more chances they have to overcome the proficiency barrier, thus creating positive effects on their physical activity and health status across the life span [6,[9][10][11][12]. Conversely, children continuing to demonstrate poor development in multiple skills for a long time are likely to exhibit negative implications (e.g., unhealthy weight status) on health-related conditions by incurring cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, cognitive, and psychosocial problems [13].…”

Developing the Physical Performance in Youth Soccer: Short-Term Effect of Dynamic–Ecological versus Traditional Training Approach for Sub-Elite U13 Players—An Ecological Exploratory Cluster Randomised Trial

“…However, despite the importance of solid motor competence in succeeding in sports competitions, the current literature needs to include this decline in motor proficiency in children and adolescents [ 4 ]. Sedentary lifestyles; increased screen time and engagement in passive activities like video games; environmental changes; a reduction in outdoor play; overreliance on technology; changes in family dynamics; and, last but not least, cutbacks in school physical education programs and limited access to sports and recreational activities contribute to this decline [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Furthermore, most training shows limitations and rarely considers children’s motor abilities and background.…”