Abstract:

Background:
The decreased level of motion prerequisites is a serious world-wide problem.

Aim: The aim of the presented study was to find out and compare the level of motion prerequisites in a selected group of children of younger school age in the Czech Republic and Spain.

Method:
In our research, we used a modified test battery to determine the level of motor skills and abilities. The test battery was previously used in conducting the international Kids in Motion project. The modified test battery consists of the 20-m sprint, ball dribbling on an upturned bench, vertical jump on the spot with a double-footed takeoff, pull-up and chin-up endurance, and a six-minute run. The research sample consisted of probands/children from the Czech Republic (n = 31) and Spain (n = 48). In order to determine the statistically significant difference between the studied groups, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used.

Results:
On the basis of the ascertained results, a statistically significant difference (α ≤ 0.05) was seen in 3 of the 5 motor tests. The probands from the Czech Republic achieved significantly better results in tests oriented towards the explosive strength of the lower extremities, and endurance abilities. The probands from Spain demonstrated a significantly higher level of balance and rhythmic abilities, and higher ball control skills.

Conclusion:
The results of the analysis show that there is a statistically significant difference in the level of motor prerequisites between the studied groups, but we cannot uniquely determine the overall higher level of motor skills and abilities of either of the studied groups.

Keywords:

Motion prerequisites, younger school age, BMI, the Czech Republic, Spain.