Tracking of Physical Fitness of Primary School Children in Trier: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to measure the motor development and tracking of physical fitness (PF) components of primary school children of Trier in Germany. Methods Two longitudinal cohorts, of 1768 children (915 f, 853 m) aged 5–11, were measured. In longitudinal cohort 1, a total of 116 female and 137 male participants aged 6.80 ± 0.42 years at baseline were measured four times from grade 1 to grade 4 (response: 40.4%). Participants of longitudinal cohort 2 (166 f, 149 m; 6.70 ± 0.36 years at baseline, response: 42.6%) were examined three times from grade 1 to grade 3 with the German Motor Test 6–18 (DMT 6–18). Results Physical fitness increased significantly over time in all test tasks except flexibility. Gender-specific differences were found in 20 m sprint, 6-minute run, balancing backwards, jumping sideways, and stand and reach. 74.4% of PF stability coefficients were moderate (r = 0.30 to 0.60). Stability of PF declined with increased time frames. Tracking was lower in girls than in boys. Flexibility showed the highest stability among PF variables (r > 0.50). BMI showed the overall highest stability coefficient with r > 0.7. Conclusions Gender-specific differences of PF were obvious but cannot always be secured statistically in primary school. Tracking was only moderate. Variability in the timing and speed of the adolescent growth spurt and sexual maturation influence stability of PF. Results from longitudinal cohort 2 largely confirm those from longitudinal cohort 1.

Are There Any Differences between First Grade Boys and Girls in Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, BMI, and Sedentary Behavior? Results of HCSC Study

“…In terms of physical fitness, boys obtained better results than girls in all physical fitness components except flexibility. These results confirm previous research and show that girls have an advantage in flexibility [7,46], while boys perform better in conditioning components [7,46]. Although the participants were not in puberty period, differences in physical fitness between genders were significant.…”

“…Physical fitness is an important factor for social development of children and is associated with a variety of health benefits [7]. There is consensus that being physically fit reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases [8].…”

“…During physical growth, speed, endurance and strength increase in both genders; however, development of muscular strength is slower than development of speed and endurance. Girls have better flexibility than boys at primary school age, and coordination based on individual range of performance [7,19]. Popovici et al [20] reported that boys have a better lower limb and upper limb strength and abdominal muscle, and girls have a better balance compared to boys.…”

Gender Differences and the Relationship of Motor, Cognitive and Academic Achievement in Omani Primary School-Aged Children

“…Concerning motor abilities, a recently published study showed differences between boys and girls aged 5–11 years (Roth et al, 2018): Girls were better than boys in balancing backward, stand-and-reach, and jumping sideways, whereas boys were faster than girls in running events. Several meta-analytical studies have examined possible gender differences in academically important factors such as mathematical ability, verbal skills, and spatial ability.…”

Motor ability and working memory in Omani and German primary school-aged children

“…Concerning the gender gap in motor ability in children, a recently published study indicated a difference between 5- to 11-year-old boys and girls: girls performed better in a balancing backwards task and a task to stand and reach and jumping sideways, whereas boys obtained better results in a 20-meter sprint and a 6-minute run [5]. Gender differences in motor ability could be detected in the preschool years: 3- to 4-year-olds differed in the Total Motor Score, fine motor skill and a balance task, while there were no sex differences for the Total Motor Score or balance in 5- to 6-year-olds.…”