Motor proficiency and physical fitness in active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13

English: Introduction Research done by Spinks et aI., (2007:161) clearly states that 14.7% of the children do not meet the minimum daily recommended physical activity requirements expected from them outside school hours. In addition boys participate in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and vigorous physical activity compared to girls (Pate et aI., 2004:1258). Powers and Howley (2007:321) state that physical activity is related to physical fitness. A decrease in physical activity levels causes health-related fitness risks such as overweight and obesity, hypertension and diabetes influencing the physical fitness status among girls (Pate et aI., 2004:1258). Alternatively children need to acquire the necessary fundamental movement skills to be able to participate successfully in physical activities (Hands, 2008:155). Therefore it is obvious that a decrease in physical activities contribute to a lack of preparation time for the development of movement skills and results in decreased physical fitness (Bouffard et aI., 1996:148). Problem statement Children, especially girls, are less active due to modern lifestyles. A decrease in physical activity results in fewer opportunities to acquire acceptable levels of motor proficiency abilities so as to aid them in successful sport participation and recreational activities. A decrease in physical activity levels also contribute to lower fitness levels leading to health problems. For this reason it would be advisable to determine strategies to facilitate girls to stay active and at the same time improve their motor proficiency abilities and health status. Aims To determine if there is a significant difference (P <0,05) between active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13 regarding motor proficiency. To determine if there is a significant difference (P <0,05) between active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13 regarding physical fitness. To determine if there is a significant difference between physical fitness performance (HFZ versus NTlZ) of active and inactive girls at different motor proficiency categories. Method The particpants were 12 to 13 years old girls and consisted of 50 girls who were identified as active by means of participation in various sports provided by the school and 50 girls who are inactive participating in cultural activities. Activity levels were measured by means of the Activity logging chart (The Cooper Institute,2005:1). There after, the BOTMP-Short Form was used to assess the girl's motor proficiency (skill-related fitness). The 8 subtests assess gross motor development, including running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination, and strength; gross and fine motor development, including upper limb coordination; and fine motor development, including response speed, visualmotor control, and upper-limb speed and dexterity (Bruininks, 1978:45). The Fitnessgram is a complete battery of health-related items such as cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. To establish if the participants fell in the Healthy Fitness Zone the tests were scored through the Fitnessgram software programme (The Cooper Institute, 2005:3). Standards are age and gender related and are established on the basis of how fit children should be to enjoy good health. Data analyzis Data was analized using the SAS Version 9.1.3. Frequincies and percentages where calculated for categorical data. Medians and percentiles or means and standard deviations were calculated for numerical data. The Chi-square test was used to compare the results of the active and inactive group for categorical data. The Kruskal-Wallis test and t-test was used to compare the results of the active and inactive group for numerical data. A significance level of a = 0,05 was used to test significant differences between the groups. Summary According to the results hypothesis 1 is accepted regarding a significant difference in motor proficiency between active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13. Hypothesis 2 is partially accepted regarding a significant difference in physical fitness between active and inactive girls aged 12 to 13. This comparative study rejects hypothesis 3 and revealed that there was no significant difference between physical fitness performance (HFZ versus NTIZ) of active and inactive girls at different motor proficiency categories. The research clearly indicates the importance of improving activity levels among girls by means of motor development programs in order to establish fundamental movement skills at a young age. These basic skills will aid girl's in sport participation as well as recreational activities. New and exciting sports can be introduced in schools to attract girls. During sport participation an appropriate training program can improve health status overall.