Physical activity, physical fitness and self-concept in schoolchildren aged between 8 to 12 years old

Abstract

This article analized the relationship between physical activity, physical condition and self-concept. A total of 103 schoolchildren (8-12 years old) participated in the assessment of these variables. Physical fitness was assessed through various tests from the ALPHA-Fitness Battery, level of physical activity was calculated through the PACE questionnaire, and self-concept was measured using the Piers-Harris Self-concept Scale. T-student, Mann-Whitney U, and Krustal-Wallis were employed for statistical analysis. Those who were physically active had better values in behavioral and intellectual domains of self-concept, as well as in lack of anxiety, and global self-concept. Those with greater physical fitness showed a better physical (p = .013), social (p = .003) and global (p = .085) self-concept. Those physically active with greater physical fitness had a better intellectual (p = .007), social (p = .010) and global (p = .010) self-concept. Being physically active and having a higher level of fitness could predict a more positive self-concept in schoolchildren of Murcia (Spain).