A comparative study on health-related fitness : does participation in a youth nursery influence the level of H.R.F. in our secondary school boys?

Abstract

The authors are concerned that participation in youth sport nurseries is not necessarily conducive to better health-related fitness levels in Maltese boys. Thus, it is essential to compare H.R.F. levels between two different groups - participants and non-participants. The literature review tries to deal with an analysis of studies conducted regarding fitness and health. It reviews various investigations which studied the testing of health-related fitness, analyses the test batteries existing to date, and justifies the choice of tests which were used for the current study. Due to the fact that some schools may be more 'sport oriented' than others, two particular schools were taken into consideration: one is a church school which is perceived as being sport-oriented and having some of the best facilities on the island, and the second is a state junior lyceum which may not have the same orientation. 500 boys were tested in three major H.R.F. components; namely cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and muscle power. Their body mass index was also calculated. Anthropometric measurements show that participants score better than non participants in all tests. However, all scores are quite low. The literature reviewed suggests that this negative situation is liable to transmit itself into adulthood unless serious steps are taken to avoid this. A number of recommendations are proposed. These are directed towards youth sport nurseries, the schools, the parents and the health authorities. It is hoped that this will act as an eye-opener to the relevant authorities so that the proposed action will be taken as soon as possible.