European Journal of Experimental Biology Libre accès

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A Study of the Physical Fitness of the Middle School Students of Naghadeh City as Compared to Local and National Standards

Nader Rostamzadeh, Seyed Amir Ahmad Mozafari, Khosro Ebrahim

The purpose of the present research was to compare the physical fitness of the middle school students of Naghadeh City with local and national standards. 825 male students were selected as sample using cluster sampling (275 sixth grade, 275 seventh grade, and 275 eighth grade students). Then, the physical fitness factors of the studentswere measured: cardiorespiratory endurance was measured by 540-m run, trunk flexor endurance was measured by situps, shoulder girdle muscle endurance was measured by pull-ups, and flexibility was measured by the Sit and Reach Test. The results showed that the six grade students’ scores in 540-m run was significantly less than local and national standards. The mean sit-ups scores were significantly higher than local and national standards. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the students’ pull-ups scores and local standards, but these score were higher than national norms. Finally, the students scored significantly higher than local standards and significantly less than national standards in the flexibility test. In seventh grade students, the mean 540-m run scores were less than local and national standards. The mean sit-ups scores were higher than local standards but not significantly different from national standards. Further, the pull-ups scores were not significantly different from local standards, but significantly higher than national norms. Finally, the mean flexibility scores were significantly higher than local standards and significantly lower than national standards. In eighth grade students, the mean 540-m run scores were significantly lower than local and national standards. The mean sit-ups scores were significantly higher than local standards and significantly lower than national norms. Moreover, the mean pull-ups scores were significantly lower than local standards but no different than national standards. Finally, the mean flexibility scores were significantly higher than local norms and significantly lower than national norms.