Physical Fitness of Phase B Elementary School Students Based on Gender

Abstrak

Physical fitness is an essential component in supporting the growth, health, and motor development of elementary school students, particularly during Phase B, which represents a critical stage of physical and cognitive development. However, changes in children’s lifestyles characterized by reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior have raised concerns regarding students’ physical fitness levels. This study aimed to: (1) describe the physical fitness levels of Phase B elementary school students based on the Indonesian Student Fitness Test (TKSI), and (2) analyze differences in physical fitness profiles based on gender. This study employed a quantitative approach with a non-experimental descriptive design. The subjects consisted of 90 students, including 49 male and 41 female students from grades III and IV at SDN Manukan Kulon VI Surabaya, selected using purposive sampling. The instrument used was the TKSI Phase B, which includes five components: flexibility (V-Sit and Reach Test), abdominal muscle endurance (Half-Up Test), hand-eye coordination, agility (T-Test), and cardiovascular endurance (Around the World Test). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test. The findings showed that most students were categorized within the adequate-to-good physical fitness level. No significant gender differences were found in flexibility, abdominal muscle endurance, and hand-eye coordination (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were identified in agility and cardiovascular endurance (p < 0.05), where male students demonstrated better performance than female students. Female students showed superior flexibility performance. In conclusion, the physical fitness profile of Phase B students can be categorized as relatively good; however, more structured, varied, and sustainable Physical Education programs are needed to improve students’ overall fitness and reduce gender-based disparities.