The effects of a ten week physical activity program on fitness levels of sixth grade students as measured by the AAHPERD Health related Physical Fitness Test.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a ten week physical activity program on fitness levels of sixth grade students as measured by the AAHPERD Health Related Physical Fitness Test. Methods of Research: Thirty-eight students in the sixth grade were pre-tested in the following areas: cardio-respiratory function, body composition, and abdominal and low-back hamstring musculo-skeletal function. Twenty students then participated 30 minutes a day, three days a week, for ten weeks in a physical activity program. Eighteen students did not participate in any structured physical education program. Post-testing was then administered to measure changes in the fitness levels of the students. The pre-and post-test scores from the AAHPERD Health Related Physical Fitness Test were utilized as the data which were analyzed by t-tests and analysis of variance with signif icance being art the .05 level. Conclusions: Twenty students in the sixth grade who participated in a ten week physical activity program did significantly improve cardiorespiratory function and abdominal strength and endurance fitness levels as measured by the AAHPERD Health Related Physical Fitness Test. Girls in the experimental group significantly improved their low-back hamstring musculo-skeletal function. Body composition did not change significantly in the experimental group. Eighteen students in the control group who did not participate in any structured physical education program made no significant change in their cardio-respiratory function, body composition, or abdominal strength and endurance. Girls in the control group made a significant change in their low-back hamstring musculo-skeletal function.