Evaluation of physical conditions in middle school students to determine aptitudes in athletics

Abstract

To evaluate the physical fitness of middle-basic students through the application of safe and adapted physical tests in order to identify their aptitudes for athletics. Quantitative, descriptive, field-based, cross-sectional study with a census sample of 129 students; 125 cases were included in the percentile analyses (1 outside the target age range and 3 with incomplete data). The ALPHA?Fitness battery (mean handgrip strength, standing long jump, 20 m shuttle run) and the 4×10 m agility test were administered; the Course Navette stage was converted to end speed and VO?max. Area-based classification used High (?P75), Medium (P40–P74), and Needs development (<P40). At the descriptive level (n=125): handgrip 16,86 ± 4,36 kg, long jump 111,06 ± 18,55 cm, 4×10 m 13.93 ± 1,40 s, end speed 9,62 ± 0.78 km/h, and VO?max 44,12 ± 3.88 ml/kg/min. Relative to the reference, the percentages exceeding P75 were: 52% in VO?max, 45% in 4×10 m, 41% in shuttle run end speed (km/h), 39% in handgrip, and 32% in long jump. By event area (?P75): Throws 90% (Very high), Middle?distance 68% (High), Sprints/Hurdles 20% (Moderate), and Jumps 10% (Low).  Using local percentiles with the ALPHA?Fitness battery and the 4×10 m test enables a clear, context?specific reading of school performance, revealing strengths in Throws and Middle?distance and areas for improvement in Jumps and, to a lesser extent, in Sprints/Hurdles (starts, rhythm, changes of direction). This approach is replicable for monitoring and pedagogical planning in Physical Education.