Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of a physical activity (PA) program on the fitness perceptions (FP) of nine-to-11-year-old schoolchildren. This quasi-experimental study involved 24 children divided into experimental (EG) and control groups (CG). Perceptions of fitness (FP), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRFP) and muscular strength (MSP) were assessed using the International Physical Fitness Scale (IFIS). Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon U tests were used with significance set at p < .05. Significant differences were found between groups in FP (.000 p < .05), CRFP (.002 p < .05) and MSP (0.02 p < .05), with better perceptions existing in the EG. The estimated effect size was large, indicating real differences between the two groups (FP [CG] = 0.15; FP [EG] = 1.71; CRFP [CG] = 0.15; CRFP [EG] = 2.50; MSP [CG] = 1.14; MSP [EG] = 3 .34). The main findings revealed that the examined PA program had a significantly positive effect on FP both overall and in relation to its cardiorespiratory (CRF) and muscular strength (MS) components. A large effect size was also produced with regards to differences between experimental and control groups. The strategy examined here could be applied in schools and may also influence psychological, academic and social outcomes.