Investigation of physical performance parameters of children aged 12-14 years

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the physical performance parameters and to determine the profiles of children aged 12-14 years and attending the secondary stage of public schools in Izmir province. The study included a total of 650 voluntary students (323 girls, and 327 boys) attending the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th classes. Physical parameters of students were evaluated with tests selected from Fitnessgram, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and Eurofit Test Battery (Muscle Strength: hand grip strength, standing long jump; Muscle Resistance: pull-up; Flexibility: sit and reach test; Cardiovascular Endurance:1 mile running test (1609 m endurance running); Speed: 30 m sprint).

Statistical analysis of data was made by Two-Way Variance Analysis in SPSS 15.0 packet software, and Further Bonferroni analysis was used for age.

As a result of the study, performance parameters of children aged 12-14 years were determined to be lower than those reported by similar studies made on the same age group. Among the reasons, there are lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, inadequate physical education and sport class and the reflections of education system.