The Effect of a physical activity program on fitness perception of 9 to 11-year-old schoolchildren: Fitness and perception in children

Abstract

The objective was to analyze the effect of a physical activity (PA) program on fitness perception (FP) of schoolchildren from 9 to 11 years of age. This quasi-experimental study involved 24 children divided into experimental (GE) and control groups (GC). The FP, perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRFP) and perceived muscular strength (MSP) components were assessed with the International Physical Fitness Scale (IFIS). Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon U tests were used; significance p < 0.05. Significant differences were found between groups in FP (.000 p < 0.05), CRFP (.002 p < 0.05) and MSP (0.02 p < 0.05) in favor of the GE. The estimated effect size is large to establish differences between groups (FP CG = 0.15, FP EG = 1.71, CRFP CG = 0.15, CRFP = 2.50, MSP CG = 1.14, MSP GA = 3 ,3,4). The main findings show that a PA program has a significantly positive effect on FP and cardiorespiratory fitness components (CRF) and muscular strength (MS) compared to the GC; A large effect size is also produced on differences between groups. Therefore, it is a strategy that could be applied in schools and can influence others areas such as psychological, academic and social.