Abstract

GUEDES, D.P.; NETO, J.T.M.  and  SILVA, A.J.. Motor performance in a sample of Brazilian schoolchildren. Motri. [online]. 2011, vol.7, n.2, pp.25-38. ISSN 1646-107X.

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.

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