Criteria of exercise and sports for improvement of physical fitness and motor ability in youth (15-18 year olds)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine criteria of exercise and sports for improving physical fitness and motor ability in youth. The samples were 1626 male and 1230 female high school students (15-18 yr). Eight items of the Japan Fitness Test (physical fitness), 61 items concerning fundamental movement-control skills and gymnastic skills (motor ability), participation and time spent in exercise and sports (present exercise habit), number of sports events, and participation in exercise and sports (past sports experiences) were measured. Results of this study were as follows: 1) the proportion of fitness test score A or B and motor ability score in a group of exercise for 3 days or more in a week or 2 hours or more in a day are significantly higher than the scores of the other groups; 2) the proportion of fitness test score D or E in a group of sports experiences of 2 or more events is significantly lower than the scores of the other groups, and motor ability score is higher; 3) motor ability score in a group which began sports since junior high school (13-15 yr) is significantly lower than the score of the other groups, and the proportion of fitness test score A or B in a female group which began sports before the third or forth grade at elementary school (8-10 yr) is higher than the scores of the other groups. Therefore, It was concluded that requirements for improving physical fitness and motor ability in youth were as follows: 1) an exercise for 3 days or more in a week and 2 hours or more in a day, 2) sports experiences of 2 events or more before entrance to high school (15-18 yr), and 3) commencement of sports before graduation of elementary school (11-12 yr).