Abstract
Study aim: To evaluate changes in strength abilities of adolescent girls that underwent a 3-year physical education curriculum.
Material and methods: The research participants comprised 141 girls aged 13.3 ± 0.35 years who participated in a 3- year physical education curriculum (PEC). Evaluation was based on the following EUROFIT Testing Battery tests: standing broad jump, handgrip strength, sit-ups, and bent arm hang. After the completion of the curriculum, changes in strength abilities of the participants were evaluated. Test results were compared to reference values for the population of Polish girls.
Results: After the 3-year PEC, research participants obtained significantly better results in all analyzed tests. At the beginning of the PEC, participants performed significantly worse in comparison to the reference values for the standing broad jump and bent arm hang tests, and better in the handgrip strength test. After the completion of the PEC, the participants performed significantly better in the sit-up and handgrip strength tests compared to reference values; for the standing broad jump and bent arm hang tests, they performed closer to the reference values.
Conclusions: While the development of student physical fitness is achievable through physical education lessons at school, innovative teaching methods and professional and creative approaches on the part of teachers are necessary.