Forced migration and integration ‐ comparison of physical fitness of children from Poland and Ukraine as an indicator of general health

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to briefly analyze the results of selected fitness tests of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. Methods The study was school‐based, carried out between April and June 2022. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10 to 16) who attended 10 randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Analyzed parameters included physical fitness tests: flexibility test, standing broad jump, 10x5m shuttle run, abdominal muscle strength test (sit‐ups, 30 s), handgrip strength (left and right hand) and overhead medicine ball throw (backwards). Results The Ukrainian girls obtained less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children, with the exception of handgrip strength. Also the Ukrainian boys were characterized by lower results of the fitness tests, except for the shuttle run and handgrip strength of the left hand, compared to their counterparts from Poland. Conclusion The Ukrainian children obtained mainly less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children. It should be stressed that analyzed characteristics play an important role in childrens' current as well as future health. Considering the obtained results, to properly accommodate to the changing needs of the population, educators, teachers and parents should advocate for more physical activity opportunities for children. Additionally, interventions focused on fitness, health and wellness promotion, as well as risk‐reduction on individual and community levels should be developed and implemented.