Differences in motor abilities of pupils according to nutritional status
The level of motor abilities strongly affects optimum growth and development of children, as well as their health. In order for the motor abilities to reach an optimum level, children need to have regular and continual physical exercise. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine differences in motor abilities of pupils with regard to their nutritional status. The sample of subjects was composed of 434 primary school boys aged 11-14. Subsamples defined by age were divided into two subsamples: 11-12 years (11.77 ± 0.69) 224 pupils, 13-14 years (13.66 ± 0.64) 210 pupils. Sample of variables in this study consisted of 15 motor ability tests. Two morphological anthropometry tests were used to measure the body height and body weight of each pupil. Based on the calculated body mass index (BMI), subjects were classified into three groups according to the nutritional status: normal body weight, overweight and obese. The results showed that over 28% of pupils were overweight. Looking at the age of the subjects, it can be seen that the prevalence of obesity is higher at a younger age group (15%) compared to the older boys (8%). Significant differences in motor abilities were measured in both subsamples between the three groups of subjects of different nutritional status. Research results indicate that boys who are obese have less developed motor abilities. The biggest differences were measured with respect to the abilities that require mobility of the body, including the lifting of the body or moving the body.