DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MOTOR ABILITIES IN BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 10 AND 9

Abstract

The aim of this research is to confirm differences in the anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of schoolchildren aged 9 and 10 compared by sex and age. The sample comprised 341 schoolchildren, divided into two subgroups of third (172) and fourth (169) graders. The research is of a transversal character and includes the measurement of anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities by applying the Eurofit fitness testing battery. The results show a significant difference based on sex in terms of body mass (t = 2.148), and as for motor abilities, there is a difference in the Shuttle run test (t = -3.709). A statistically significant difference considering the age of the tested population was observed in height (t = -10.327) and body mass (Z = -5,991), while in terms of motor abilities there was a statistically significant difference in the values of all the tests: Hand tapping (t = 4.735), the Standing long jump (Z = -3,575), Shuttle run (t = 12,248), the Flexed arm hang (Z = -2,167), Sit and reach (Z = -2,406), Sit-ups in 30 seconds (t = -9069). The research shows a higher statistically significant difference observed in body composition, but also in the motor area of the studied group in terms of age, and in relation to the statistically significant difference that was revealed by gender.