SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS COMPONENTS AMONG YOUNG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.sidebar##
views: 3 |
downloads: 1
Published
May 25, 2026
Publication metrics
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
Stefan Mijalković
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0340-4759
Stefan Stojanović
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6610-197X
Tamara Ilić
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2819-9545
Dejan Volaš
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6991-1113
Tijana Purenović-Ivanović
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3537-3168
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0340-4759
Stefan Stojanović
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6610-197X
Tamara Ilić
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2819-9545
Dejan Volaš
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6991-1113
Tijana Purenović-Ivanović
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3537-3168
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine sex-related differences in fitness components among young school-age children. A total of 138 children (72 boys and 66 girls; mean age 9.08 ± 0.67 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Body composition, motor abilities, and cardiorespiratory parameters were assessed using standardized field-based tests. Differences between boys and girls were analyzed using the independent samples Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U tests, depending on data distribution. The results revealed that boys had significantly higher muscle mass percentage, faster sprint times, better agility, greater explosive power of both the lower and upper limbs, higher aerobic capacity, and lower resting heart rate compared to girls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in body height, body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage or blood pressure parameters. These findings indicate that sex-related differences in multiple fitness components are evident already in early school age, providing important insight into the early emergence of distinct physical fitness profiles between boys and girls.
Download Statistics
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
Keywords
Body Composition, motor abilities, aerobic capacity, primary school children
References
1. Aertssen, W. F., Ferguson, G. D., & Smits-Engelsman, B. C. (2016). Reliability and structural and construct validity of the functional strength measurement in children aged 4 to 10 years. Physical Therapy, 96(6), 888-897. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20140018
2. Ahler, T., Bendiksen, M., Krustrup, P., & Wedderkopp, N. (2012). Aerobic fitness testing in 6-to 9-year-old children: reliability and validity of a modified Yo–Yo IR1 test and the Andersen test. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(3), 871-876. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2039-4
3. Ament, W., & Verkerke, G. J. (2009). Exercise and fatigue. Sports medicine, 39(5), 389-422. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200939050-00005
4. Artero, E. G., Espana-Romero, V., Castro-Pinero, J., Ortega, F. B., Suni, J., Castillo-Garzon, M. J., & Ruiz, J. R. (2011). Reliability of field-based fitness tests in youth. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(03), 159-169. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1268488
5. Beckham, G., Lish, S., Disney, C., Keebler, L., DeBeliso, M., & Adams, K. J. (2019). The reliability of the seated medicine ball throw as assessed with accelerometer instrumentation. Journal of Physical Activity Research, 4(2), 108-113. https://doi.org/10.12691/jpar-4-2-5
6. Beunen, G., & Malina, R. M. (2008). Growth and biologic maturation: relevance to athletic performance. The young athlete, 1, 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470696255
7. Boreham, C., & Riddoch, C. (2001). The physical activity, fitness and health of children. Journal of sports sciences, 19(12), 915-929. https://doi.org/10.1080/026404101317108426
8. Cohen, J. (2013). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. New York: Routledge.
9. Dehghan, M., & Merchant, A. T. (2008). Is bioelectrical impedance accurate for use in large epidemiological studies?. Nutrition Journal, 7(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-7-26
10. Dencker, M., Thorsson, O., Karlsson, M. K., Lindén, C., Eiberg, S., Wollmer, P., & Andersen, L. B. (2007). Gender differences and determinants of aerobic fitness in children aged 8–11 years. European journal of applied physiology, 99(1), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0310-x
11. Flanagan, S. D., Dunn-Lewis, C., Hatfield, D. L., Distefano, L. J., Fragala, M. S., Shoap, M., ... & Kraemer, W. J. (2015). Developmental differences between boys and girls result in sex-specific physical fitness changes from fourth to fifth grade. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(1), 175-180. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000623
12. Flores, T. R., Bertoldi, A. D., Ricardo, L. I., Blumenberg, C., Moreira, L. R., Dias, M., ... & Santos, I. S. (2020). Validity assessment of a portable anthropometer to measure length in 24-month children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Public Health Nutrition, 23(15), 2711-2716. https://doi.org/10.1017/S136898002000107X
13. Glatthorn, J. F., Gouge, S., Nussbaumer, S., Stauffacher, S., Impellizzeri, F. M., & Maffiuletti, N. A. (2011). Validity and reliability of Optojump photoelectric cells for estimating vertical jump height. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25(2), 556-560. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181ccb18d
14. Hinkley, T., Teychenne, M., Downing, K. L., Ball, K., Salmon, J., & Hesketh, K. D. (2014). Early childhood physical activity, sedentary behaviors and psychosocial well-being: a systematic review. Preventive medicine, 62, 182-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.02.007
15. Kukic, F., Dopsaj, M., Dawes, J., Orr, R. M., & Cvorovic, A. (2018). Use of human body morphology as an indication of physical fitness: implications for police officers. International Journal of Morphology, 36(4), 1407-1412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.02.007
16. Lang, J. J., Phillips, E. W., Orpana, H. M., Tremblay, M. S., Ross, R., Ortega, F. B., ... & Tomkinson, G. R. (2018). Field-based measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness to evaluate physical activity interventions. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 96(11), 794. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.18.213728
17. Larsen, M. N., Madsen, M., Cyril, R., Madsen, E. E., Lind, R. R., Ryom, K., ... & Krustrup, P. (2021). Well-being, physical fitness and health profile of 10–12 years old boys in relation to leisure-time sports club activities: A cross-sectional study. BMJ open, 11(11), e050194. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050194
18. Larsen, M. N., Nielsen, C. M., Ørntoft, C. Ø., Randers, M. B., Manniche, V., Hansen, L., ... & Krustrup, P. (2017). Physical fitness and body composition in 8–10-year-old Danish children are associated with sports club participation. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3425-3434. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001952
19. Madić, D., Nikolić, M., & Stojiljković, D. (2015). Merni instrumenti u sportu, fizičkom vaspitanju i rekreaciji. Niš: Fakultet sporta i fizičkog vaspitanja, Univerzitet u Nišu.
20. Manzano-Carrasco, S., Garcia-Unanue, J., Lopez-Fernandez, J., Hernandez-Martin, A., Sanchez-Sanchez, J., Gallardo, L., & Felipe, J. L. (2022). Differences in body composition and physical fitness parameters among prepubertal and pubertal children engaged in extracurricular sports: The active health study. European journal of public health, 32(1), i67-i72. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckac075
21. Marta, C. C., Marinho, D. A., Barbosa, T. M., Izquierdo, M., & Marques, M. C. (2012). Physical fitness differences between prepubescent boys and girls. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(7), 1756-1766. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825bb4aa
22. Meylan, C. M., Cronin, J. B., Oliver, J. L., & Rumpf, M. C. (2014). Sex-related differences in explosive actions during late childhood. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(8), 2097-2104. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000377
23. Meylan, C. M., Cronin, J. B., Oliver, J. L., Hughes, M. G., & McMaster, D. (2012). The reliability of jump kinematics and kinetics in children of different maturity status. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(4), 1015-1026. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822dcec7
24. Mijalković, S., Stanković, D., Tomljanović, M., Batez, M., Grle, M., Grle, I., ... & Fišer, S. Ž. (2022). School-based exercise programs for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese children aged 6 to 10. Children, 9(9), 1323. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091323
25. Negra, Y., Chaabene, H., Hammami, M., Amara, S., Sammoud, S., Mkaouer, B., & Hachana, Y. (2017). Agility in young athletes: is it a different ability from speed and power?. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(3), 727-735. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001543
26. Ortega, F. B., Ruiz, J. R., Castillo, M. J., & Sjöström, M. (2008). Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: a powerful marker of health. International journal of obesity, 32(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774
27. Póvoas, S. C., Castagna, C., Soares, J. M., Silva, P. M., Lopes, M. V., & Krustrup, P. (2016). Reliability and validity of Yo-Yo tests in 9-to 16-year-old football players and matched non-sports active schoolboys. European Journal of Sport Science, 16(7), 755-763. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774
28. Racette, S. B., Uhrich, M. L., White, M. L., Yu, L., & Clark, B. R. (2017). Sex differences in FITNESSGRAM® health risk based on aerobic capacity and body composition among urban public elementary school children. Preventive medicine, 103, 56-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.07.032
29. Rowland, T., Goff, D., Martel, L., & Ferrone, L. (2000). Influence of cardiac functional capacity on gender differences in maximal oxygen uptake in children. Chest, 117(3), 629-635. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.117.3.629
30. Rumpf, M. C., Cronin, J. B., Oliver, J. L., & Hughes, M. (2011). Assessing youth sprint ability–Methodological issues, reliability and performance data. Pediatric Exercise Science, 23(4), 442-467. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.23.4.442
31. Scherdel, P., Dunkel, L., van Dommelen, P., Goulet, O., Salaün, J. F., Brauner, R., ... & Chalumeau, M. (2016). Growth monitoring as an early detection tool: a systematic review. The lancet diabetes & endocrinology, 4(5), 447-456. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00392-7
32. Smits-Engelsman, B., Coetzee, D., Valtr, L., & Verbecque, E. (2023). Do Girls Have an Advantage Compared to Boys When Their Motor Skills Are Tested Using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, ?. Children, 10(7), 1159. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071159
33. Thompson, A. M., Baxter-Jones, A. D., Mirwald, R. L., & Bailey, D. A. (2003). Comparison of physical activity in male and female children: does maturation matter?. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 35(10), 1684-1690. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000089244.44914.1F
34. Vandendriessche, J. B., Vandorpe, B., Coelho-e-Silva, M. J., Vaeyens, R., Lenoir, M., Lefevre, J., & Philippaerts, R. M. (2011). Multivariate association among morphology, fitness, and motor coordination characteristics in boys age 7 to 11. Pediatric exercise science, 23(4), 504-520. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.23.4.504
35. Vanhees, L., Lefevre, J., Philippaerts, R., Martens, M., Huygens, W., Troosters, T., & Beunen, G. (2005). How to assess physical activity? How to assess physical fitness?. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 12(2), 102-114. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.hjr.0000161551.73095.9c
36. Živković, M., Stojiljković, N., Trajković, N., Stojanović, N., Đošić, A., Antić, V., & Stanković, N. (2022). Speed, change of direction speed, and lower body power in young athletes and nonathletes according to maturity stage. Children, 9(2), 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020242
2. Ahler, T., Bendiksen, M., Krustrup, P., & Wedderkopp, N. (2012). Aerobic fitness testing in 6-to 9-year-old children: reliability and validity of a modified Yo–Yo IR1 test and the Andersen test. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(3), 871-876. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2039-4
3. Ament, W., & Verkerke, G. J. (2009). Exercise and fatigue. Sports medicine, 39(5), 389-422. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200939050-00005
4. Artero, E. G., Espana-Romero, V., Castro-Pinero, J., Ortega, F. B., Suni, J., Castillo-Garzon, M. J., & Ruiz, J. R. (2011). Reliability of field-based fitness tests in youth. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(03), 159-169. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1268488
5. Beckham, G., Lish, S., Disney, C., Keebler, L., DeBeliso, M., & Adams, K. J. (2019). The reliability of the seated medicine ball throw as assessed with accelerometer instrumentation. Journal of Physical Activity Research, 4(2), 108-113. https://doi.org/10.12691/jpar-4-2-5
6. Beunen, G., & Malina, R. M. (2008). Growth and biologic maturation: relevance to athletic performance. The young athlete, 1, 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470696255
7. Boreham, C., & Riddoch, C. (2001). The physical activity, fitness and health of children. Journal of sports sciences, 19(12), 915-929. https://doi.org/10.1080/026404101317108426
8. Cohen, J. (2013). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. New York: Routledge.
9. Dehghan, M., & Merchant, A. T. (2008). Is bioelectrical impedance accurate for use in large epidemiological studies?. Nutrition Journal, 7(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-7-26
10. Dencker, M., Thorsson, O., Karlsson, M. K., Lindén, C., Eiberg, S., Wollmer, P., & Andersen, L. B. (2007). Gender differences and determinants of aerobic fitness in children aged 8–11 years. European journal of applied physiology, 99(1), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0310-x
11. Flanagan, S. D., Dunn-Lewis, C., Hatfield, D. L., Distefano, L. J., Fragala, M. S., Shoap, M., ... & Kraemer, W. J. (2015). Developmental differences between boys and girls result in sex-specific physical fitness changes from fourth to fifth grade. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(1), 175-180. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000623
12. Flores, T. R., Bertoldi, A. D., Ricardo, L. I., Blumenberg, C., Moreira, L. R., Dias, M., ... & Santos, I. S. (2020). Validity assessment of a portable anthropometer to measure length in 24-month children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Public Health Nutrition, 23(15), 2711-2716. https://doi.org/10.1017/S136898002000107X
13. Glatthorn, J. F., Gouge, S., Nussbaumer, S., Stauffacher, S., Impellizzeri, F. M., & Maffiuletti, N. A. (2011). Validity and reliability of Optojump photoelectric cells for estimating vertical jump height. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25(2), 556-560. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181ccb18d
14. Hinkley, T., Teychenne, M., Downing, K. L., Ball, K., Salmon, J., & Hesketh, K. D. (2014). Early childhood physical activity, sedentary behaviors and psychosocial well-being: a systematic review. Preventive medicine, 62, 182-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.02.007
15. Kukic, F., Dopsaj, M., Dawes, J., Orr, R. M., & Cvorovic, A. (2018). Use of human body morphology as an indication of physical fitness: implications for police officers. International Journal of Morphology, 36(4), 1407-1412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.02.007
16. Lang, J. J., Phillips, E. W., Orpana, H. M., Tremblay, M. S., Ross, R., Ortega, F. B., ... & Tomkinson, G. R. (2018). Field-based measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness to evaluate physical activity interventions. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 96(11), 794. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.18.213728
17. Larsen, M. N., Madsen, M., Cyril, R., Madsen, E. E., Lind, R. R., Ryom, K., ... & Krustrup, P. (2021). Well-being, physical fitness and health profile of 10–12 years old boys in relation to leisure-time sports club activities: A cross-sectional study. BMJ open, 11(11), e050194. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050194
18. Larsen, M. N., Nielsen, C. M., Ørntoft, C. Ø., Randers, M. B., Manniche, V., Hansen, L., ... & Krustrup, P. (2017). Physical fitness and body composition in 8–10-year-old Danish children are associated with sports club participation. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3425-3434. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001952
19. Madić, D., Nikolić, M., & Stojiljković, D. (2015). Merni instrumenti u sportu, fizičkom vaspitanju i rekreaciji. Niš: Fakultet sporta i fizičkog vaspitanja, Univerzitet u Nišu.
20. Manzano-Carrasco, S., Garcia-Unanue, J., Lopez-Fernandez, J., Hernandez-Martin, A., Sanchez-Sanchez, J., Gallardo, L., & Felipe, J. L. (2022). Differences in body composition and physical fitness parameters among prepubertal and pubertal children engaged in extracurricular sports: The active health study. European journal of public health, 32(1), i67-i72. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckac075
21. Marta, C. C., Marinho, D. A., Barbosa, T. M., Izquierdo, M., & Marques, M. C. (2012). Physical fitness differences between prepubescent boys and girls. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(7), 1756-1766. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825bb4aa
22. Meylan, C. M., Cronin, J. B., Oliver, J. L., & Rumpf, M. C. (2014). Sex-related differences in explosive actions during late childhood. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(8), 2097-2104. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000377
23. Meylan, C. M., Cronin, J. B., Oliver, J. L., Hughes, M. G., & McMaster, D. (2012). The reliability of jump kinematics and kinetics in children of different maturity status. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(4), 1015-1026. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822dcec7
24. Mijalković, S., Stanković, D., Tomljanović, M., Batez, M., Grle, M., Grle, I., ... & Fišer, S. Ž. (2022). School-based exercise programs for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese children aged 6 to 10. Children, 9(9), 1323. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091323
25. Negra, Y., Chaabene, H., Hammami, M., Amara, S., Sammoud, S., Mkaouer, B., & Hachana, Y. (2017). Agility in young athletes: is it a different ability from speed and power?. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(3), 727-735. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001543
26. Ortega, F. B., Ruiz, J. R., Castillo, M. J., & Sjöström, M. (2008). Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: a powerful marker of health. International journal of obesity, 32(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774
27. Póvoas, S. C., Castagna, C., Soares, J. M., Silva, P. M., Lopes, M. V., & Krustrup, P. (2016). Reliability and validity of Yo-Yo tests in 9-to 16-year-old football players and matched non-sports active schoolboys. European Journal of Sport Science, 16(7), 755-763. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774
28. Racette, S. B., Uhrich, M. L., White, M. L., Yu, L., & Clark, B. R. (2017). Sex differences in FITNESSGRAM® health risk based on aerobic capacity and body composition among urban public elementary school children. Preventive medicine, 103, 56-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.07.032
29. Rowland, T., Goff, D., Martel, L., & Ferrone, L. (2000). Influence of cardiac functional capacity on gender differences in maximal oxygen uptake in children. Chest, 117(3), 629-635. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.117.3.629
30. Rumpf, M. C., Cronin, J. B., Oliver, J. L., & Hughes, M. (2011). Assessing youth sprint ability–Methodological issues, reliability and performance data. Pediatric Exercise Science, 23(4), 442-467. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.23.4.442
31. Scherdel, P., Dunkel, L., van Dommelen, P., Goulet, O., Salaün, J. F., Brauner, R., ... & Chalumeau, M. (2016). Growth monitoring as an early detection tool: a systematic review. The lancet diabetes & endocrinology, 4(5), 447-456. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00392-7
32. Smits-Engelsman, B., Coetzee, D., Valtr, L., & Verbecque, E. (2023). Do Girls Have an Advantage Compared to Boys When Their Motor Skills Are Tested Using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, ?. Children, 10(7), 1159. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071159
33. Thompson, A. M., Baxter-Jones, A. D., Mirwald, R. L., & Bailey, D. A. (2003). Comparison of physical activity in male and female children: does maturation matter?. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 35(10), 1684-1690. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000089244.44914.1F
34. Vandendriessche, J. B., Vandorpe, B., Coelho-e-Silva, M. J., Vaeyens, R., Lenoir, M., Lefevre, J., & Philippaerts, R. M. (2011). Multivariate association among morphology, fitness, and motor coordination characteristics in boys age 7 to 11. Pediatric exercise science, 23(4), 504-520. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.23.4.504
35. Vanhees, L., Lefevre, J., Philippaerts, R., Martens, M., Huygens, W., Troosters, T., & Beunen, G. (2005). How to assess physical activity? How to assess physical fitness?. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 12(2), 102-114. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.hjr.0000161551.73095.9c
36. Živković, M., Stojiljković, N., Trajković, N., Stojanović, N., Đošić, A., Antić, V., & Stanković, N. (2022). Speed, change of direction speed, and lower body power in young athletes and nonathletes according to maturity stage. Children, 9(2), 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020242
Citation Format
How to Cite
Mijalković, S., Stojanović, S., Ilić, T., Volaš, D., & Purenović-Ivanović, T. (2026). SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS COMPONENTS AMONG YOUNG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. Physical Education and Sport Through The Centuries, 13(1), 101–111. Retrieved from https://phedss.fsfv-pr.rs/index.php/phedss/article/view/81
Issue
Section
First Preview
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.