Motor performance in a sample of Brazilian schoolchildren

Abstract

This study analyzed the analyzed the relationship among motor performance, age and gender in a representative sample of schoolchildren from Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sample consisted of 2849 subjects (1457 girls and 1392 boys), ranging in age from 6 to 18 years, selected randomly. The motor performance components were determined using a test battery consisting of five items: a) sit-and-reach, b) curl-ups, c) trunk-lift, d) push-ups, and e) PACER. The results show that, in almost all motor tests occurred differences intersexes from 6 years and up which increased abruptly after 12-13 years. In relation to chronological age, boys presented gradually better results from 6 to 18 years in the majority of the motor tests. Girls' best performance occurred around 11-12 years of age followed by a steady performance or a tendency to decline.

Keywords

• motor tests
• physical fitness
• health promotion
• children
• adolescents