Biomaterial Database

Determinants of physical ability in 7th grade schoolchildren. 1989

S T Halfon, and S Bronner

Department of Medical Ecology, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.

The aim of the study was to determine factors associated with running time in children aged 12 years, according to sex and sexual maturation of girls. The physical ability was measured, using a 1000 meter run in a group of 942 boys and girls aged 12. In addition, data was collected on family sports activities and the children's sports activities, using questionnaires for parents and children. Before the 1000 meter run, physical examination was carried out. Nutrition habits of the family in the home and outside were self-reported in a questionnaire. The mean time for run in boys was shorter by 40 seconds than that for girls. Premenarche girls ran significantly faster than postmenarche girls (p less than 0.05). The best predictors for short running time were triceps skinfold thickness and sport motivation of the children. Weaker correlation was observed between food variables, family characteristics and running time. The highest prediction of running time by the measured variables was found for postmenarche girls, explained by the high correlation of running time with the behavioral variables. In boys and premenarche girls, the best predictors for running time were the physical and physiological characteristics of the children.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008572	Menarche	The first MENSTRUAL CYCLE marked by the initiation of MENSTRUATION.
D010809	Physical Fitness	The ability to carry out daily tasks and perform physical activities in a highly functional state, often as a result of physical conditioning.	Fitness, Physical
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children
D002657	Child Development	The continuous sequential physiological and psychological maturing of an individual from birth up to but not including ADOLESCENCE.	Infant Development,Development, Child,Development, Infant
D005247	Feeding Behavior	Behavioral responses or sequences associated with eating including modes of feeding, rhythmic patterns of eating, and time intervals.	Dietary Habits,Eating Behavior,Faith-based Dietary Restrictions,Feeding Patterns,Feeding-Related Behavior,Food Habits,Diet Habits,Eating Habits,Behavior, Eating,Behavior, Feeding,Behavior, Feeding-Related,Behaviors, Eating,Behaviors, Feeding,Behaviors, Feeding-Related,Diet Habit,Dietary Habit,Dietary Restriction, Faith-based,Dietary Restrictions, Faith-based,Eating Behaviors,Eating Habit,Faith based Dietary Restrictions,Faith-based Dietary Restriction,Feeding Behaviors,Feeding Pattern,Feeding Related Behavior,Feeding-Related Behaviors,Food Habit,Habit, Diet,Habit, Dietary,Habit, Eating,Habit, Food,Habits, Diet,Pattern, Feeding,Patterns, Feeding,Restrictions, Faith-based Dietary
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000886	Anthropometry	The technique that deals with the measurement of the size, weight, and proportions of the human or other primate body.
D012420	Running	An activity in which the body is propelled by moving the legs rapidly. Running is performed at a moderate to rapid pace and should be differentiated from JOGGING, which is performed at a much slower pace.	Runnings