Original scientific paper

Mirko Jakimovski¹ , Georgi Georgiev² , Seryozha Gontarev²

 https://doi.org/10.46733/PESH25141133j

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this research was to establish percentile values for 3 different assessments of muscle fitness among Macedonian students (7.827 boys and 7.607 girls) between the ages of 6 and 14. Material and Methods: Strength of the muscles was evaluated through tests of standing long jump for lower limbs, 30-second sit-ups for trunk strength, and handgrip strength for upper limbs. The LMS technique was employed to calculate smooth curves and tabulated data. Results: During the assessments and exams, it was discovered that boys achieved significantly higher results than girls. Furthermore, a steady and moderate enhancement was observed in the muscular fitness test outcomes as boys and girls grew older. Girls aged 12 to 13 see a decrease in their performance in the 30-second sit-ups and standing long jump tests. There was a noticeable disparity in age-related changes between boys and girls, with boys exhibiting a greater number of these changes. Male and female students from Macedonia demonstrated lower performance in the 30-second sit-ups test when compared to their Chinese, European, and Serbian counterparts. Macedonian boys demonstrate performance levels on par with their European peers in the standing long jump test, but do not achieve the same results as Chinese boys. Moreover, they outperform Serbian boys in this particular physical assessment. The results of the standing long jump test among girls indicated a greater resemblance to their Serbian counterparts, although they were comparatively weaker when compared to peers in various European countries and China. Boys and girls performed similarly to their peers from certain European countries and China in the handgrip strength test. Conclusions: The findings from the research can be utilized to enhance muscle strength. They can also be utilized for comparing trends across various countries and regions.

Key words: muscular fitness; handgrip strength; 30 sec sit-ups; standing long jump; percentile curve

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