Motion activity of modern Russian schoolchildren results of a population-based study

Aim. The purpose of the study is to compare age- and gender-related dynamics of motor abilities in primary, secondary and high school students in a population study conducted in 6 regions of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. The study involved more than 10 000 students from primary (grade 2 and 4), secondary (grade 5 and 7), and high (grade 10) schools. Motor abilities were assessed by using the coefficients that eliminated the influence of the speed component (for the agility coefficient) and body length (for the specific indicators of sprint and long-distance running speed, as well as for the specific length of standing long jump). Results. Indices of motor fitness were used for analyzing motor skills development in children and adolescents. The following indices were proposed: agility coefficient, specific sprint speed, specific long-distance running speed, specific standing long jump distance. Age dynamics and gender differences in these indicators reflect the patterns of motor skills development in modern schoolchildren. In particular, the stages at which sensitivity of motor functions can be expected were found, which makes it possible to plan physical activities in the framework of PE classes at school. Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrate sexual dimorphism in the development of motor abilities, frequency and heterochrony of their maturation, as well as, in some cases, synchronization of changes in female and male children. The revealed patterns are important for physical education, which is designed for using biological potential in the development of physical abilities as efficiently as possible.