Quantitative differences within motor abilities of pupils of higher grades in primary school

Abstract

The aim of the research was to establish if there is any statistically important difference of motor abilities among pupils of higher grades in the 'Ivo Lola Ribar' elementary school in Sombor. The sample consisted of 166 pupils who attend grades fifth through eighth and who were divided into four groups 11 years (N=46), 12 years (N=41), 13 years (N=37), 14 years (N=42). To estimate motor abilities the battery of 8 motor tests was used. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that a statistically significant difference exists among examinees aged 11 to 14 for the whole sample of the variable which shows the level of motoric abilities (P= 0.00). Statistically significant difference is observed among the examinees in the speed of running, frequency speed of movement, explosive strength of legs, coordination, static strength of arms and shoulders in favour of examinees of older age. The linear trend of growing motor abilities is noticed in all analysed variables, which is in accordance with the age of examinees.

Keywords

• primary school age
• boys
• mobility