[The motor activity study segment as pilot study of The Child and Adolescent Health Survey].
In the Health Survey for Children and Adolescents the examination of motor activity is one aspect of physical health covered by the study. This underlines the importance of physical activity for physical development in early years. This first representative child and adolescent study for Germany intends to obtain data on motor activity and to allow for the implementation of specific intervention programmes encouraging physical activity. The specific general conditions under which the survey is conducted restrict the selection and scope of possible instruments to a minimal programme, including fitness tests, strength in combination with endurance and coordinative skills as well as flexibility. In a pilot study the suitability, feasibility and the obtained evidence of selected single motor tests were tested. This article explains the choice of instruments and methods used in the examination of physical fitness. It also discusses methodological difficulties which affect the standardisation of tests and the requirements regarding personnel. A major concern of the pilot study was the evaluation of tested instruments with regard to gender and age differences. For the main survey the following tests are recommended: coordination (balancing backwards, one-leg-footing, sideway jumping), perseverance (sit-ups, push-ups), and flexibility (trunk bending).
Kahl
H
H
Robert Koch-Institut, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin.
Emmel
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D013177:Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*