A Comparative Analysis in Muscular Strength, Cardiorespiratory Endurance, and Joint Flexibility between Male and Female Students Aged 7-12 Years

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in exercise physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of exercise physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Physical differences between boys and girls during school years are a key focus in children’s motor development research. This study aimed to compare the annual growth patterns of strength, endurance, and flexibility in 7- to 12-year-old students to examine sex-specific developmental trajectories. The findings can guide physical education specialists and coaches in designing age- and sex-appropriate training programs to enhance children’s physical health.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study involved 360 primary school students (grades 1 to 6 of the Iranian educational system, 180 girls and 180 boys). From each grade level, 30 girls and 30 boys were randomly selected. Muscular strength and endurance were assessed using the plank test, cardiorespiratory endurance with the step test, and flexibility with the joint range-of-motion test. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) at a significance level of P<0.05. Normality of data distribution was confirmed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Findings: MANOVA revealed significant sex-based differences in physical capabilities (P<0.001). Boys outperformed girls in muscular strength and endurance (plank test) and cardiorespiratory endurance (step test), while girls demonstrated superior flexibility. These differences became more pronounced with age, peaking in the fifth and sixth grades (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study confirms significant sex-specific differences in the physical development patterns of 7- to 12-year-old children. Boys’ superiority in strength and endurance and girls’ advantage in flexibility highlight the need for tailored training programs based on age and sex. These findings provide a foundation for targeted interventions to improve children’s physical health and performance.

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Research in Sport Sciences Education (RISSE)
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 8
Vol 3. No 1. Spring 2025
March 2025
Pages 19-26

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