The fitness barometer, a tool for physical education teachers

Introduction: Belgium has been working on physical fitness assessment since a couple of years (1994, 2004, 2013). In the Province of Luxembourg, a physical fitness campaign was organised every year for children in grades 5 and 6 (10-11 years). In October 2023 this campaign will be modified to provide motor and physical assessment, and health promotion. Several fitness tests will be removed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a complete fitness barometer with the results of the campaign 2022. Methods: In 2022, 4,344 children aged 10 and 11 years performed 8 fitness tests, assessing upper and lower limbs explosive power, cardio-respiratory endurance, speed, flexibility, and abdominal endurance. Tests were assessed by external assessors. Data were analysed by researchers. R software (Rcmdr) was used for statistical analysis. Four groups were categorized by gender and age. Descriptive statistical analysis of percentiles was conducted for each group. Results: Percentiles divided statistical series into different categories that allowed each child to be placed in relation to usual values of children of his/her province, age, and gender. Results for each child highlight some qualities and weaknesses of his/her physical fitness, at the assessment time. Conclusion: This barometer delivered to PE teachers an individualized profile for each student. Collective results were provided for the PE teacher showing strengths and weaknesses of their class. Physical fitness is one domain of competencies that a person must develop to be physically active. Other domains of competencies should be added to this campaign.