Changes in the level of physical fitness in adolescent girls

Abstract

Throughout adolescence, the human body passes through a range of significant physiological and psychological changes (Adams, 1991; Kent, 1996). Such changes are known to have a distinctive impact on the level of physical fitness. In this study, the author is making use of some well-known indirect fitness measurement tests, to analyse the changes in the level of fitness in adolescent girls from local schools, of ages 11, 13 and 15. A systematic approach is taken over a random sample of 326 girls coming from four different schools, with tests covering the areas of muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance and speed. By comparing the results of these tests with similar findings obtained through other independent studies, one would be able to arrive at certain conclusions relating to trends in physical fitness, which are exhibited by adolescents in Malta. Consequentially, this might serve not only to confirm the underlying impact of adolescence on fitness, but also as a guideline for the compilation of suggestions, explaining how physical fitness can be improved during adolescence.