This study investigated the physical fitness levels of 236 female and 257 male students from years 6 to 9 through a series of "Faster, Higher, Stronger" tests assessing speed, strength, and power. The objectives were to analyze performance variations by year and gender, improvement rates across years, comparative physical strength analyses, and correlations between medicine ball throw and broad jump performances and between height and broad jump distance. Students participated in testing sessions measuring height, weight, hand grip strength, 15m sprint time, broad jump distance, and medicine ball throw distance. Correlation analyses found moderate to strong relationships between medicine ball throw and broad jump and between height and broad jump distance. Comparative analyses found boys generally outperformed girls but also some performance

1. FASTER, HIGHER &
STRONGER IN SCHOOL
CHILDREN
SUBMITTED BY – ANKIT, ANNS MARIYA ANTONY, ARUN ROBIN,
CHANG-LUN CHEN, DANIEL DAVID, FEBIN TOMY, HINAL PATEL

2. INTRODUCTION
 In our contemporary world, an alarming surge in sedentary lifestyles has taken root, with young
individuals being particularly impacted by dwindling physical activity levels. This has paved the way for
a concerning rise in health issues like childhood obesity and diabetes. While the advantages of regular
play, sports, and physical training on children's mental and physical well-being are widely recognized, a
significant proportion of today's youth still need to meet recommended physical activity levels. This
trend starts at an early age, contributing to an alarming deficit of physical activity among children,
defying established healthcare standards.
 Recent data from the UK's National Child Measurement Program paints a stark picture: In 2019, 20.2%
of children aged 10-11 were categorized as highly obese. Concurrently, physical inactivity escalates the
risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Physical inactivity’s global impact
is akin to smoking’s health risks, rendering it a pandemic.

3. INTRODUCTION
 Research points to the significance of intervening during the critical growth phase of youth. Practical
strength training and regular physical activity curtail obesity-related risks and augment cognitive
function. Fresh insights underscore the positive nexus between physical activity, improved sleep quality,
and holistic well-being.
 The pursuit of athletic excellence has long been characterized by the drive for "Faster, Higher, Stronger"
performances, as seen in the iconic motto of the Olympic Games. Understanding and harnessing their
explosive power capabilities hold significant implications for their overall physical development and
future athletic potential in the context of school-aged children, whose athletic development is critical.
 By assessing physical fitness, this study endeavours to unravel key health markers in children,
ultimately guiding educational and public health strategies. The study’s emphasis on evaluating speed,
strength, and power through tailored tests seeks to instill a love for engaging, competitive, and
enlightening physical activities. Such an approach lays the groundwork for fostering healthier lifestyles
early on.

4. OBJECTIVES
 This study aims to comprehensively investigate the physical fitness levels of school children through a
series of Faster, Higher, Stronger (FHS) assessments. The primary objectives are as follows:
1. Performance Differences Among Year Groups and Gender:
 To identify variations in performance across different year groups and genders in the FHS tests.
 To determine whether any specific year group or gender consistently outperforms others in speed, strength, and
power.
2. Rates of Improvement Across Year Groups:
 To assess the improvement rates in FHS test scores as participants progress through different year groups.
 To examine whether certain year groups show more substantial improvements in physical fitness than others.

5. OBJECTIVES
3. Comparative Analysis of Physical Strength:
 To compare the physical strength levels of the highest and lowest performers within various year groups.
 To explore potential overlaps and differences in physical abilities, considering gender and year group factors.
4. Relationship between Medicine Ball Throw and Broad Jump:
 To investigate the correlation between the medicine ball throw performance and the standing broad jump tests.
 To determine if this correlation remains consistent across different year groups.
5. Correlation between Height and Broad Jump Distance:
 To establish the relationship between participants' height and performance in the standing broad jump test
across the entire dataset.
 To analyse whether this correlation exists within specific year groups and across genders.

6. OBJECTIVES
 By addressing these objectives, this study seeks to comprehensively understand the physical fitness
landscape among school children. The investigation of performance variations, improvement rates, and
correlations between different fitness components will contribute valuable insights to guide physical
education strategies and policies. The outcomes of this study aspire to promote healthier lifestyles,
encourage active participation, and lay the groundwork for nurturing physical well-being from an early
age.

7. METHODS-SUBJECTS
 This research project was executed with precision and a systematic approach, involving the voluntary
participation of 236 females and 257 males from Spring Academy and Westway schools between year
groups 6-9. Five rigorous testing sessions were conducted to evaluate the participants' physical fitness.
TABLE1: BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTICIPANTS
Total
Participants
Male Female Average height Average weight
257 236
Mean
Standard
deviation
Mean
Standard
deviation
156.9 cm 14.9 cm 53.6 kg 17.7 kg
Female
48%
Male
52%
GENDER
Female Male

8. METHODS-SUBJECTS
Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Female 55 48 47 45
Male 45 54 53 55
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Percentage
School Year and Gender in %

9. METHODS-
PROCEDURES
 Ethical Considerations:
 Ethical approval was obtained for the research study. Permissions were acquired from school authorities prior to
the commencement of the research
 Testing Procedures:
 Each testing session, spanning 40 minutes, comprised several meticulously designed stations to assess distinct
dimensions of physical prowess. The testing battery included:
• Height and Weight Measurement Height and weight measurement to gather basic anthropometric data.
• Handgrip Strength The handgrip strength test for evaluating upper body maximal strength.
• 15-m Sprint The 15m sprint test to assess acceleration and speed.
• Broad Jump Test The standing broad jump test to measure lower body maximal strength.
• Medicine Ball Throw The med ball throw to gauge upper body strength and explosive power.

10. METHODS-
PROCEDURES
Before initiating the testing sessions, a comprehensive explanation of the protocol was provided to the
participating children to ensure their understanding and cooperation.
 Data Collection:
 Measurement and data recording were executed meticulously to ensure accuracy and reliability
 The best performance from three trials at each testing station was selected for subsequent data analysis.
 Recognition and Motivation:
 Outstanding performers within each class were acknowledged with certificates of excellence. This recognition aimed to
foster a sense of pride and motivation among their peers.

11. MEASUREMENTS
WEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT

12. MEASUREMENTS
HAND GRIP STRENGTH MEASUREMENT
MEDICINE BALL THROW
TEST

13. MEASUREMENTS
15-m SPRINT TEST
BROAD JUMP TEST

14. RESEARCH-1
Topic: To determine the relationship between medicine ball throw and broad jump and
whether it is consistent through year in youth and adolescent age groups.
 Method:
 All subjects participated in 5 testing sessions over a period of 40 minutes. Three trials were performed with one
minute rest between each repetition for each session. The study included 215 female and 247 male participants
from Spring Academy and Westway.
DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS (FEMALE)
Number of participants Mean SD
Height
215
154.64 13.61
Weight 51.86 16.10
Medicine ball throw 5.43 1.53
Broad jump score 1.41 0.24
DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS (MALE)
Number of participants Mean SD
Height
247
158.81 15.73
Weight 54.93 18.86
Medicine ball throw 6.16 1.96
Broad jump score 1.61 0.27

15. RESEARCH-1: RESULTS
CORRELATION ANALYSIS (FEMALE)
Medicine ball Broad jump
Medicine ball
throw
Pearson
correlation
1 0.404
Sig. (2-tailed) < . 001
N 215 215
Broad jump
Pearson
correlation
0.404 1
Sig. (2-tailed) < . 001
N 215 215
CORRELATION ANALYSIS (MALE)
Medicine ball Broad jump
Medicine ball
throw
Pearson
correlation
1 0.617
Sig. (2-tailed) < . 001
N 247 247
Broad jump
Pearson
correlation
0.617 1
Sig. (2-tailed) < . 001
N 218 218

16. RESEARCH-2
Topic: The difference between the best and worst physical strength performances
comparing school year groups, physical ability, and gender
 Method:
 A total participant of 500 school kids (261 boys, 239 girls) between year groups 6-9
 Four tests using varied testing batteries were conducted, including a 15m sprint, standing broad jump, hand grip
strength, and med ball throw, each comprising three trials with the best outcome recorded.
 To assess performance variation, the top and bottom 10% of results in each test for different age and gender
groups were selected and analysed using box plots.
 An independent t-test in SPSS, with a 90% confidence interval, compared the groups, while Levene's test
checked for equal variances.

17. RESEARCH-2 :
RESULTS
6 School Year 7 School Year 8 School Year 9 school year
Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls
Mean
Value
Best Worst Best Worst Best Worst Best Worst Best Worst Best Worst Best Worst Best Worst
Med ball
throw
7.6 3.5 6.4 3.5 7.0 2.6 7.4 3.7 8.8 3.0 8.0 3.3 11.8 4.2 9.8 4.1
Handgrip
strength
26.1 14.4 24.4 13.1 31.1 14.7 30.3 14.9 34.2 17.7 30.2 15.8 48.1 20.8 39.1 20.0
Broad
jump
2.0 1.1 1.9 1.1 1.9 1.2 1.7 1.1 2.0 1.1 1.7 1.3 2.1 1.2 1.9 1.0
15m
sprint
3.4 2.7 2.3 2.7 3.4 2.7 4.1 2.7 3.2 2.5 4.8 2.6 3.4 2.3 3.9 2.5
 T-test findings show boys' superior performance in Med Ball throw, Broad Jump, grip strength, and
sprinting speed compared to girls, with some variations in year 7

18. RESEARCH-2 : IN COMPARISON
 Gender overlap was observed in the top 10% performance for the Broad jump, Hand grip, and med ball
throw. The worst 10% results also overlap across genders. Sprint performance shows minimal gender
differences in both the top and worst 10%.

19. RESEARCH-3
Topic : The correlation between broad jump and height in school children between 6 to 9-
year groups
 Method:
 Understanding the interaction between height and broad jump can optimize physical development and enhance
sports and physical education programs (Hills, A. P.et al 2015)
 This study hypothesizes a positive correlation between schoolchildren’s height and their broad jump distance,
indicating that taller kids will probably jump farther than their shorter friends.
 A Total sample of 450 school children (203 girls and 247 boys) with mean ± SD of height 157.7 ±10.3 cm
 Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and scatter plots were used for data analysis

20. RESEARCH-3 :
RESULTS
 According to the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis “r” = 0.288.
DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS
Mean SD
Height 157.7 10.30
Weight 53.62 17.68
Broad jump score 1.52 0.27
CORRELATION ANALYSIS
Height Broad jump
HEIGHT
Pearson
correlation
1 0.288
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N 450 450
Broad jump
Pearson
correlation
0.288 1
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N 450 450

21. RESEARCH-3 :
SCATTERPLOT

22. RESEARCH-4
Topic: This research aims to analyze FHS test performance across genders and year
groups, focusing on improvement rates over time. It seeks insights into how athletic
abilities change as individuals advance through years, highlighting potential gender-
based variations.
 Method:
 Gender-based disparities in physical performance have been a subject of investigation. Studies by Manna, I.
(2014) indicate that boys tend to exhibit higher levels of muscular strength and anaerobic power than girls of
the same age. These explosive power and strength differences have been attributed to inherent physiological
variations.
 Research by Bourdon, P. (2011). age-related disparities exist in FHS test performance among children. Younger
age groups, such as 6-year-olds, often demonstrate lower scores than older ones. Moreover, as children
progress through different age groups, their performance in FHS tests tends to show gradual improvement
(Magnus, L. (2014).

23. RESEARCH-4 :
RESULTS
MALE AGE 6
OVERALL
MEAN
7.985673077 OVERALL SD 2.424711777
FEMALE AGE 6
OVERALL
MEAN
6.944904234 OVERALL SD 1.465465591
MALE AGE 7
OVERALL
MEAN
8.009114124 OVERALL SD 2.577729678
FEMALE AGE 7
OVERALL
MEAN
8.392928741 OVERALL SD 2.041887815
MALE AGE 8
OVERALL
MEAN
9.211663797 OVERALL SD 2.497482679
FEMALE AGE 8
OVERALL
MEAN
8.429987795 OVERALL SD 2.217538683
MALE AGE 9
OVERALL
MEAN
11.49390342 OVERALL SD 3.620073377
FEMALE AGE 9
OVERALL
MEAN
9.709296561 OVERALL SD 2.644157102
CORRELATION ANALYSIS
GENDER SCORE CORELATION
AMONG YEAR GROUPS
MALE YEAR
GROUP
SCORES
FEMALE
YEAR
GROUP
SCORES
Male
Pearson
correlation
1 0.993
Sig. (1-tailed) 0.000
N 16 16
Female
Pearson
correlation
0.993 1
Sig. (1-tailed) 0.000
N 16 16

24. DISCUSSION
 Research-1:
 This investigation examined the relationships between medicine ball throw and broad jump distance in youth
and adolescent groups. Our result showed a moderate correlation between medicine ball throw and broad jump
in female and male participants. However, although the broad jump has a relatively intuitive process for
measuring performance, most participants may need to familiarize themselves with the technique of medicine
ball throwing, which could generate variance across the three trails.
 Research-2:
 Boys outperformed girls in Med Ball Throw, Broad Jump, grip strength, and sprinting speed, highlighting gender-
based differences in explosive power, lower body strength, upper body strength, and speed.
 Gender had minimal influence on extreme performances; overlapping ranges for best and worst performers
imply that age-related factors may substantially impact performance more than gender.
 Research-3:
 The study found a statistically significant positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.288, p < 0.05)
between "Height" and "Broad jump score.” However, it's important to note that the correlation is weak, indicating
that "Height" explains only a small proportion of the variability in "Broad jump scores.“

25. DISCUSSION
 Research-4:
 This investigation examined the relationships between medicine ball throw and broad jump distance in youth and
adolescent groups. Our result showed a moderate correlation between medicine ball throw and broad jump in
female and male participants. However, although the broad jump has a relatively intuitive process for measuring
performance, most participants may need to familiarize themselves with the technique of medicine ball throwing,
which could generate variance across the three trails. The Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.993 for females
and 1 for males, concerning mean FHS test scores among children aged 6 to 9, reveal distinct and exceptionally
strong relationships between gender and performance. For females, the correlation of 0.993 underscores a
remarkably robust positive association. This suggests that gender significantly influences girls' average FHS test
scores within this age range. Meanwhile, the perfect correlation of 1 for males indicates an absolute linear
relationship, where male gender is consistently linked with higher mean FHS test scores. These findings emphasize
a clear gender-based disparity in FHS test performance among children aged 6 to 9. While the reasons for such
disparities can be multifaceted, biological factors, social influences, and opportunities for physical activity
engagement might play crucial roles.In light of these results, targeted interventions could be designed to provide
equal opportunities and support for both genders, with the aim of fostering more equitable physical development and
performance outcomes during these formative years.

26. CONCLUSION
 Research-1:
 our research delved into explosive power in youth and adolescent athletes, focusing on the correlation between
the medicine ball throw and broad jump performance. The study highlighted the interconnectedness of upper
and lower body strength in unleashing athletic potential.
 Research-2:
 Boys showed slight advantages in upper and lower body strength, explosive power, and sprinting speed over
girls in this age group. Despite these differences, there was a significant overlap in performance ranges
between genders, especially among the worst performers.
 Research-3:
 Height alone may not fully predict variations in broad jump performance. Further research into additional factors
is needed for a more comprehensive understanding.

27. REFERENCES
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