Secular Trends in Anthropometric Characteristics and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Macedonian Children: the Makfit Studies

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and health-related physical fitness (i.e., flexibility, muscular strength and speed/agility) in Macedonian children between 2012 and 2019.
 Materials and methods. We analyzed the secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and health-related physical fitness in Macedonian children between 2012 and 2019. Two representative population studies were conducted 7 years apart in children (6-10 years) from Skopje (Mаcedonia). Both studies used the same anthropometric measures and tests to assess physical fitness: height, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, sit and reach, handgrip strength, standing long jump, 30 sec sit ups, and 4 × 10 m shuttle run. 
 Result. The boys and girls measured in 2019 had significantly better performance in the sit and reach (Cohen’s d ~0.4 and ~0.5, respectively), 30 sec sit ups (Cohen’s d ~0.3 and ~0.2, respectively), and 4 × 10 m shuttle run (Cohen’s d ~0.7 and ~0.8, respectively) tests compared to those measured in 2012–2013. Levels of the standing long jump were significantly lower in 2019 in boys and girls (Cohen’s d ~0.6 for both). 
 Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that Macedonian children measured in 2019 have higher levels of flexibility, abdominal muscle strength and coordination, speed and agility, but lower levels of explosive force of the lower limbs than their counterparts measured. 7 years ago, no statistically significant differences were found in anthropometric measures and measures of body weight.

Analysis of secular trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents (8–18 years) from Kraków (Poland) between 2010 and 2020

“…The results of this study are in line with the findings of previous studies (Elezi et al, 2021; Fühner et al, 2021; Tomkinson et al, 2019). Importantly, in a recently published systematic review, it has been suggested that the secular decrease in the physical fitness of youth occurred primarily over the last decade, which is exactly the time span included in the current study (Fühner et al, 2021).…”

“…On the other hand, an increase in flexibility, abdominal muscles strength, coordination, speed and agility was noted among children from Macedonia, between 2012 and 2019. Nevertheless, also a decrease in the explosive force of the lower limbs was observed (Elezi et al, 2021). Similarly, in Slovenian children, there was a decrease in muscular fitness, leg power and arm strength between 1983 and 2014, while core muscle strength mostly increased (Đuri c et al, 2021).…”

Pattern Recognition: Effectiveness of Teaching Boys Aged 15 a Cartwheel

“…Physical education is an important factor in the development of schoolchildren's personal qualities and a healthy lifestyle (Krutsevich, et al 2021;Cisterna, et al, 2019;Elezi, et al, 2021). Motor skills development in schoolchildren is the main task of the modern school (Ivashchenko, 2020;Kapkan et al, 2019a,b).…”

Comparative Analysis of Morphological Indicators of Street Workout Athletes with Different Training Experience

“…The design used -comparing athletes who differ in skill level -is widely used in sports science. A similar approach was used in works (Podrigalo et al, 2020;Volodchenko et al, 2017;Elezi et al, 2021). It allows us to highlight factors and qualities of a higher level.…”