GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR SKILLS OF CHILDREN AGED 7 TO 11

Abstract

A sample of 655 participants (348 boys and 307 girls), schoolchildren aged 7 to 11, was included in a study of a system of 10 variables (4 morphological and 6 motor variables), with the aim of applying a multivariate analysis of variance and a canonical discriminant analysis to determine the statistical significance of the differences in the means between the genders in terms of morphological characteristics and motor skills. The obtained results indicated a statistically significant difference between the genders in the entire system of applied variables, at the p=.00 level, an univariately, that the boys, probably as a result of increased body weight (p=.01) and forearm volume (p=.00), had better results in motor skills as well, including explosive strength (the standing long jump, p=.00), body coordination (the polygon backwards, p=.00), repetitive strength (sit-ups, p=.00) and force (hyperextensions, p=.00), while the girls had better values only for flexibility (deep pull-up hang on the bench, p=.00). By using a canonical discriminant analysis, we isolated a single discriminant function (p=.00) whose structure is made up of seven variables, six of which belong to the boys, and only one of which (deep pull-up hang on the bench) belongs to the girls. In accordance with the obtained values, it is necessary to consider the development (extensive changes) in the morphological characteristics and motor skills of both boys and girls equally in physical education classes. These changes are ones which are not genetically limited, that is, ones which are still susceptible to change, so as to be able to perform optimum planning and programming and the operationalization of physical education classes based on the obtained indicators, as well as the control of the ontogenetic development of these relevant anthropological characteristics, under the influence of the programmed contents according to gender at this age.