RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCOMOTOR ORGAN HEALTH STATUS A D PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST IN 5TH GRADE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Physical fitness tests determine the current state of physical fitness and athletic ability among children, and the results are widely used as basic administrative data. In 2016, Japan introduced locomotor examinations for elementary school children. In this study, we conducted physical fitness tests and locomotor examinations to assess whether physical fitness is related to locomotor health. Methods: We conducted physical fitness tests (8 items) and surveys on locomotor health status (7 items) among 259 girls and 309 boys. Then, we counted the number of children who required consultation with an orthopedic surgeon for a secondary examination. Results: The physical fitness test results were normally distributed. According to the mean value, skewness, and kurtosis, we found no difference between these results and the distribution nationwide. The secondary examination was required in 39 (6.9%) children. A histogram of the physical fitness test results and the number of children requiring a secondary examination revealed no normal distribution, showing polarization between the peaks of the higher and lower parts of the physical fitness test results. Conclusions: Those with low physical fitness test results and impaired locomotor health may be affected by obesity, and those with high physical fitness test results and impaired locomotor health may be musculoskeletal overused. Therefore, it is necessary to consider appropriate interventions in the future.