Influence of school sports on the physical fitness of secondary school students

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of physical education (PE) on the physical fitness of secondary school students aged 15 to 17, using the FITescola test battery, which assesses endurance, strength, and body composition. The research aims to provide empirical evidence supporting the positive effects of PE on adolescents' physical development and overall well-being, contributing to educational policy recommendations. The study involved 108 students from ESJD in Faro, divided into two groups: those who regularly participate in PE (36 students) and those who do not (72 students). Data was collected using five tests from the FITescola battery, including the Shuttle, Push-ups, Abdominal, and Horizontal Thrust tests, administered twice over a school year. The results were analyzed using SPSS software, with statistical tests revealing significant differences in physical performance between PE participants and non-participants. Participants in PE showed superior performance in all fitness tests, particularly in aerobic capacity, abdominal strength, upper limb resistance, and explosive lower limb strength. These findings highlight the importance of consistent PE participation in enhancing students' physical fitness, supporting the argument for the inclusion of regular physical activity in school curricula. The study underscores the need for educational policies that prioritize physical education to improve students' health and well-being, particularly in environments where access to physical activity outside of school is limited.