Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Semnan University
2 Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Humanities, Semnan University
Abstract
The evaluation of changes in physical fitness during childhood is crucial for understanding natural developmental patterns. This study aimed to compare changes in body composition, explosive power, muscular endurance, and speed in 8-12-year-old girls and boys. A total of 359 students (178 boys and 181 girls) were randomly selected. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), explosive power via the Sargent jump, medicine ball throw, and standing long jump, speed using a 20-meter sprint, and muscular endurance through a modified push-up test. Pearson correlation and independent t-tests were used for data analysis. Results showed that at age 8, boys had significantly higher speed (p=0.003) than girls. At age 9, girls exhibited significantly higher body fat percentage (p=0.001) and BMI (p=0.048), while boys outperformed girls in standing long jump (p<0.001), medicine ball throw (p=0.017), muscular endurance (p=0.002), and speed (p=0.009). At age 10, boys only performed better in the medicine ball throw (p=0.015), and at age 11, only in muscular endurance (p=0.026). By age 12, boys outperformed girls in standing long jump (p=0.008), muscular endurance (p=0.040), and speed (p=0.003). Significant correlations were found in both genders (p<0.001). The findings suggest that increased body fat in girls may contribute to lower physical fitness compared to boys, with differences emerging around age 9 and widening with age.
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