Dimitar Delevski¹ , Nena Gontareva² , Slavica Novacevska³

https://doi.org/10.46733/PESH2514227d

Abstract

This study has an aim of classification the physical fitness by children from the age of 6 to 8 , in accordance with the latest health standards criteria on the FitBack platform and to make an examination of the gender differences in basic components of fitness. The study takes into inclusion 519 students from primary schools in the Skopje region, who performed standardized anthropo-metric measures and fitness tests: body mass index, waist circumference, grip strength, standing long jump and 20 m shuttle run test.T he classification has been based on the criteria zones which have the indication of whether the child holds the recommended health threshold. The results have showed that only 54% of the children have a health-acceptable level of cardio-respiratory endurance, as a while large proportion demonstrate insufficient development of the muscle strength. As a range of 58% do not reach the criterioa standards for the explosive strength, and 67% for static hand strength. Gender differences are statistically significant for BMI, waist circumference, cardio- respiratory endurance and strength of the hand-grip, as of girls being classified in zones that indicate the necessity for improvement. These findings make a suggestion of early emergence for health fitness disparities and highlight the need for targeted and appropriate interventions for development in the school environment. In conclusion, the research makes a confirmation of the applicability of criterion-referenced fitness assessment by the young students and provides important insights for improvement of the educational practice and public health strategies. Early detection of weaknesses in fitness components may contribute to better health outcomes later in life.

Keywords: physical fitness, children, FitBack, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, criterion-referenced assessmen

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