Urban-Rural Children Differences in Motor Coordination, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Agility

Abstract

Rural children tend to be more active than urban children, which might affect both motor skills and physical fitness components. This study aimed to examine the effects of a living area on motor coordination, cardiorespiratory fitness levels, and Agility. We also investigated the relationship between motor coordination, cardiorespiratory fitness, and Agility in urban-rural children. School children aged 10 to 11 years participated in this study. Of these participants, 100 were urban children (Male=47, Female=53), and the other 100 were rural children (Male=48, Female=52). Gross motor coordination was measured by using Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder. A single test (1000 meters run) was used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness levels, while Agility was measured using a shuttle run test. Urban-rural differences were calculated by using an independent sample t-test. There were significant differences in motor coordination and cardiorespiratory fitness between urban and rural children (p< 0.05), but there were no significant differences in their Agility. Urban children showed lower gross motor coordination (74.15 ± 10.67) than rural children (81.03 ± 8.62). Cardiorespiratory fitness of rural children (7:07 ± 1.06) was better than urban children (8:13 ± 1.57). Agility between urban (12.78 ± 1.38 s) and rural (12.80 ± 1.11 s) were almost similar. Statistical analysis showed a positive relationship between motor coordination, cardiorespiratory fitness, and Agility in both groups. Living areas affect motor coordination and cardiorespiratory fitness, but not Agility in children.