Motor proficiency and physical fitness in active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13

[摘要] English: IntroductionResearch done by Spinks et aI., (2007:161) clearly states that 14.7% of thechildren do not meet the minimum daily recommended physical activityrequirements expected from them outside school hours. In addition boysparticipate in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity andvigorous physical activity compared to girls (Pate et aI., 2004:1258).Powers and Howley (2007:321) state that physical activity is related to physicalfitness. A decrease in physical activity levels causes health-related fitness riskssuch as overweight and obesity, hypertension and diabetes influencing thephysical fitness status among girls (Pate et aI., 2004:1258). Alternatively childrenneed to acquire the necessary fundamental movement skills to be able toparticipate successfully in physical activities (Hands, 2008:155).Therefore it is obvious that a decrease in physical activities contribute to a lack ofpreparation time for the development of movement skills and results indecreased physical fitness (Bouffard et aI., 1996:148).Problem statementChildren, especially girls, are less active due to modern lifestyles. A decrease inphysical activity results in fewer opportunities to acquire acceptable levels ofmotor proficiency abilities so as to aid them in successful sport participation andrecreational activities. A decrease in physical activity levels also contribute tolower fitness levels leading to health problems. For this reason it would beadvisable to determine strategies to facilitate girls to stay active and at the sametime improve their motor proficiency abilities and health status.AimsTo determine if there is a significant difference (P <0,05) between active andinactive girls aged 12 to 13 regarding motor proficiency.To determine if there is a significant difference (P <0,05) between active andinactive girls aged 12 to 13 regarding physical fitness.To determine if there is a significant difference between physical fitnessperformance (HFZ versus NTlZ) of active and inactive girls at different motorproficiency categories.MethodThe particpants were 12 to 13 years old girls and consisted of 50 girls who wereidentified as active by means of participation in various sports provided by theschool and 50 girls who are inactive participating in cultural activities. Activitylevels were measured by means of the Activity logging chart (The CooperInstitute,2005:1).There after, the BOTMP-Short Form was used to assess the girl's motorproficiency (skill-related fitness). The 8 subtests assess gross motordevelopment, including running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination,and strength; gross and fine motor development, including upper limbcoordination; and fine motor development, including response speed, visualmotorcontrol, and upper-limb speed and dexterity (Bruininks, 1978:45).The Fitnessgram is a complete battery of health-related items such ascardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and muscular endurance, flexibility andbody composition. To establish if the participants fell in the Healthy Fitness Zonethe tests were scored through the Fitnessgram software programme (The CooperInstitute, 2005:3). Standards are age and gender related and are established onthe basis of how fit children should be to enjoy good health.Data analyzisData was analized using the SAS Version 9.1.3. Frequincies and percentageswhere calculated for categorical data. Medians and percentiles or means andstandard deviations were calculated for numerical data. The Chi-square test wasused to compare the results of the active and inactive group for categorical data.The Kruskal-Wallis test and t-test was used to compare the results of the activeand inactive group for numerical data. A significance level of a = 0,05 was usedto test significant differences between the groups.SummaryAccording to the results hypothesis 1 is accepted regarding a significantdifference in motor proficiency between active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13.Hypothesis 2 is partially accepted regarding a significant difference in physicalfitness between active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13. This comparative studyrejects hypothesis 3 and revealed that there was no significant differencebetween physical fitness performance (HFZ versus NTIZ) of active and inactivegirls at different motor proficiency categories.The research clearly indicates the importance of improving activity levels amonggirls by means of motor development programs in order to establish fundamentalmovement skills at a young age. These basic skills will aid girl's in sportparticipation as well as recreational activities. New and exciting sports can beintroduced in schools to attract girls. During sport participation an appropriatetraining program can improve health status overall.

[发布机构] University of the Free State