The Effectiveness of Optimized Track and Field Classes on 5-6 Graders’ Physical Fitness Improvement

Abstract

One of the educational directions included in the curriculums (2008) of Lithuanian schools for general education is development and promotion of movement culture embracing the athletics. The present article analyses effectiveness of track and field classes with optimized content and an increased number of such on pupils' physical fitness performance results. The pedagogical experiment was conducted at Klaipeda "Versme" basic school in Lithuania, introducing the experimental program of optimized track and field classes to 5-6 grades with a total number of 107 pupils making the sample. The experimental group had a higher number of track and field classes and a different distribution of hours for individual practical track and field events. Obtained results allowed to conclude that a developed program for classes with optimized track and field content and an extended duration of its implementation among 5-6 grades improved physical fitness results of pupils, falling into the experimental group. The greatest effect among research participants of the experimental group was noticed on boys' balance (p<0.001), stamina (p<0.001), explosive power (p<0.001), and static arm strength (p<0.001) results, while for girls -on balance (p<0.001), stamina (p<0.05), explosive power (p<0.05), and static arm strength (p<0.01) results.