Uğurlu, D., & Çetin, E. (2023).Comparative 

investigation of physical activity and physical 

fitness levels of students according to high 

school types. International Online Journal of 

Education and Teaching (IOJET), 10(3). 2070-

2088.  

Received                            : 19.03.2023 

Revised version received   : 08.05.2023 

Accepted                            : 10.05.2023 

 

COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PHYSICAL 

FITNESS LEVELS OF STUDENTS ACCORDING TO HIGH SCHOOL TYPES 

Research article 

DöndüUğurlu (Corresponding author) 

Sport Science Faculty, Kırıkkale University 

Yahşiyan/ Kırıkkale, Türkiye 

Orcid:0000-0002-9153-8900 

Tel: +90 5312543939 E-mail: dondusimsek@kku.edu.tr 

 

 

EbruÇetin 

Sport Science Faculty, Gazi University 

Abantsok No 14, Yenimahalle, Ankara/Turkey 

Orcid: 0000-0002-1545-0181 

Tel: +90 312 2023549 E-mail: ecetin@gazi.edu.tr 

 

Biodata(s): 

DöndüUğurlu (Corresponding author) working as a Lecturer in Sport Science Faculty, 

Kırıkkale University 

EbruÇetinworking as Prof. Dr. Sport Science Faculty, Gazi University 

 

Copyright © 2014 by International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET). ISSN: 2148-225X. 

Material published and so copyrighted may not be published elsewhere without written permission of IOJET. 

mailto:dondusimsek@kku.edu.tr
mailto:ecetin@gazi.edu.tr


International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET) 2023, 10(3), 2070-2088.  

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COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PHYSICAL 

FITNESS LEVELS OF STUDENTS ACCORDING TO HIGH SCHOOL TYPES 

Döndü Uğurlu 

dondusimsek@kku.edu.tr 

                   Ebru Çetin 

                                                                       ecetin@gazi.edu.tr 

 

 

Abstract 

The present study aims to compare and examine the physical activity and physical fitness levels 

of students according to high school types. The sample consisted of 261 volunteer students with 

a mean age of (age=14.55±0.50year), including 129 female students (age=14.5±0.5year) and 

132 male students (age=14.6±0.5year) from schools selected through convenience sampling 

according to high school types. Physical fitness measurements (cardiorespiratory endurance-

1000 m, strength-right hand-left hand grip power, flexibility-sit and reach, body composition-

age, height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage) and the International Physical Activity 

Questionnaire (IPOQ) were used for data collection. The evaluation of the study data was 

performed using the one-way ANOVA-Tukey test. In conclusion, according to the school types 

variable, it can be said that the physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics of sports 

high school students, who are thought to have more physical activity opportunities, are more 

developed. It was observed that physical activity was particularly effective in the development 

of cardiorespiratory endurance, one of the parameters of physical fitness. 

Keywords:Physical fitness, Physical activity, High school students, Physical education 

1. Introduction 

The concepts of physical activity and physical fitness are among the most emphasized issues 

in the context of children and young individuals both in Turkey and the rest of the world. For 

this reason, physical activity, health, and physical fitness of children have been given more 

importance than ever in recent years (Saygın&Dükkancı, 2009). Within the scope of the 

recommendations in the "National Physical Activity Guidelines" prepared by the Ministry of 

Health and the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) and in cooperation with the MoNE and 

the Ministry of Health, the "Health-Related Physical Fitness Report Card" was developed with 

the decision of the Science Committee in order to increase and promote awareness of healthy 

nutrition and physical activity in students (Ministry of Health &MoNE, 2017). This report card 

has been applied to middle- and high-school students affiliated to MoNE since the second 

semester of 2017. 

Physical fitness is defined as the ability to perform daily physical movements without fatigue, 

which is of great importance for children and young individuals to lead a healthy life (Castillo, 

2006). Physical fitness is examined under two headings: health and performance (sport). 

Health-related physical fitness parameters are measured by body composition, flexibility, 

muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and muscular strength tests (Gutin et al., 2005; 

mailto:dondusimsek@kku.edu.tr
mailto:ecetin@gazi.edu.tr


Uğurlu&Çetin 

 

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Castillo, 2006). In the evaluation of sports-related physical fitness, components related to 

explosive strength, power, speed, agility, coordination, balance, reaction time and other 

characteristics related to the branch of sport performed are addressed (Heyward, 1998; Ministry 

of Health &MoNE, 2017). Determination of the physical fitness status of children and 

adolescents stands out as an important factor in reducing potential future health problems 

(Bulduk et al., 2000; Tınazcı&Emiroğlu, 2010). Health-related physical fitness (HRPF) is 

indicated by various factors such as weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal fitness 

(muscle strength and endurance) and flexibility and is associated with health outcomes and/or 

health markers in young individuals (Pillsbury et al., 2013; Ortega et al., 2008). 

Cardiorespiratory endurance is the ability of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system to supply 

oxygen and nutrients to working muscles (Rezende et al., 2014; ÇimenPolat&Yarım, 2021).  

The better the aerobic capacity, the better the heart, lungs and blood vessels carry oxygen to 

parts of the body. Low cardiorespiratory endurance causes individuals to experience rapid 

fatigue and an inability to perform daily activities (Cheng et al., 2019).  

In cases where a deficiency occurs in physical fitness components or they remain below the 

standard or norm values determined for a specific age or gender group, an inadequacy related 

to the physical fitness level of the individual is considered (Ministry of Health &MoNE, 2017). 

Low physical fitness levels are associated with problems such as obesity, cardiovascular 

diseases, anxiety, depression, higher mortality rates, certain forms of cancer, diabetes, 

hypertension, musculoskeletal problems, and low quality of life (Daniels et al., 2009; Marques-

Vidal et al., 2010). In the light of these reasons, it can be said that physical fitness, physical 

activity, and health are closely related concepts that affect each other (Ministry of Health 

&MoNE, 2017). 

Physical activity, which is the key to a healthy and high-quality life, is defined as "activities 

performed by individuals to mobilize their musculoskeletal systems by expending various 

levels of energy", while its absence is defined as physical inactivity (Tavazar et al., 2014). 

Physical activity results in energy expenditure. Physical activity levels of individuals are 

closely related to their lifestyles. Factors such as daily working conditions, mode of 

transportation, the tools and equipment used, the way of spending leisure time, geographical 

region, climate, and weather conditions affect the level of physical activity (Tunç&İşler, 2007, 

Orhan, 2015). Regular physical activity is crucial for the healthy growth and development of 

children and young individuals. Additionally, physical activity contributes to the maturation of 

social-affective and social behaviors of children and young individuals as well as various 

contributions to the development of their mental skills (Edwards &Tsouros, 2006, Kara et al., 

2020).  

It is reported that in developed societies, sedentary lifestyles are adopted due to the 

advancement of technology and the physical activity levels of adolescents are inadequate 

(Henry et al., 1999; Takken et al., 2003; WHO, 2003; WHO, 2003; Ministry of Health, 2008). 

Studies show that significant decreases occur in the physical activity levels of individuals 

starting from adolescence (Gray et al., 2014). In adolescence, the majority of young individuals 

face serious health problems such as obesity and excessive weight gain due to unhealthy and 

unbalanced nutrition (Alper et al., 2017). When different studies accessed through literature 

review are examined, in a previous study examining the effects of sportive activity levels of 

sports high school and science high school students on body composition and bone mineral 

density, it was observed that sportive activity initiated at an early age can positively affect bone 

mass (Aysan et al., 2015). In another study investigating the effect of physical activity on 



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academic achievement and depression in young individuals, a positive correlation was found 

between physical activity level and academic achievement while a negative correlation was 

found between physical activity level and depression, and it was stated that increasing the level 

of physical activity may have positive effects on boosting academic achievement and reducing 

depression in young individuals (Arslan et al., 2018). In a study examining the relationship 

between high school students' motivation to participate in physical activity and body mass 

index, it was concluded that students with low motivation to participate in physical activity had 

a high body mass index (BMI) (Çakır, 2019).  

When considered as a transition to adulthood, adolescence is a critical period when lifestyle 

habits become more pronounced. Therefore, determination of physical activity levels during 

adolescence is important in terms of increasing the awareness of young individuals, families 

and educators on this issue and providing guidance in this direction (Arslan et al., 2018).  

In recent years, both the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Health have been 

conducting significant studies on physical fitness and its importance for children and young 

individuals. In the current education system, different programs are implemented at high school 

level. Since it is known that options and forms of physical activity differ in teaching methods 

within these programs, the present study aims to compare and examine the physical activity 

and physical fitness levels of students according to high school types. 

2. Method 

Study Model: The present study is a quantitative study and was designed within the framework 

of the relational survey model, which is one of the general survey models in which situation 

assessment is performed. Relational survey models are study models that aim to determine the 

presence and/or degree of change between two or more variables (Karasar, 2022). 

Population and Sample: The population of this study consists of first year high-school students 

(9th grade) in different types of high schools in Kırıkkale in the 2022-2023 academic year. 

Power analysis was performed for the suitability of the population and sample. The sample 

consisted of 261 students with a general mean age of 14.55±0.50 year and a general mean 

height of 165.89±8.83 cm, including 129 female students with a mean age of 14.5 ± 0.5 year 

and a mean height of 160.5 ± 5.8 cm, and 132 male students with a mean age of 14.6 ± 0.5 year 

and a mean height of 171.1 ± 8.1 cm. 

Data Collection Tools:  

Physical Fitness Measurements:   

For body composition, height measurements were made using a stadiometer with a precision 

of 0.01 m. Body weight, BMI and body fat percentage were measured using a TANITA BC-

418 MA Professional body analyzer. School types were also recorded by interviewing the 

students.  

Health-related components of physical fitness were measured. The Eurofit test battery was 

utilized to determine health-related physical fitness. For cardiovascular endurance, a 1000 m. 

run-walk test was conducted. The students were instructed to complete the distance by running, 

walking, or jogging as soon as possible. The completion times of the students were recorded in 

minutes and seconds.   



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Right- and left-hand grip tests were performed for strength measurement using a Holtin hand 

dynamometer. The device was adjusted according to hand sizes and the students were asked to 

squeeze the dynamometer with their hands without bending the elbow, with the arm straight 

and at an angle of 10-15 degrees from the shoulders to the side. Two repetitions were performed 

with each hand separately. The dynamometer was reset after each trial. The best performance 

was included in the evaluation.  

The sit-and-reach test was performed for flexibility measurement. The test was performed with 

a standard bench. The test bench was 35cm in length, 45cm in width and 32cm in height. The 

participants were seated barefoot on the floor, without bending their knees, resting the soles of 

their feet on the bench, leaning their torso forward and extending their hands forward on the 

bench. 2 repetitions were made, and the best degree was included in the evaluation.    

Physical Activity Questionnaire: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) 

was used in the present study. This questionnaire is available in both a long and a short form. 

The short form consisting of 7 questions was used in this study. The validity and reliability 

studies for this questionnaire in Turkey were conducted by Öztürk among university students. 

The questionnaire provides information on the time spent in sitting, walking, moderately 

intense activities, and intense activities. All activities are assessed on the basis that each activity 

is performed for at least 10 minutes at a time. Minutes, days and METs (multiples of resting 

oxygen consumption) are multiplied to obtain a score as "MET-minutes/week". Physical 

activity levels were classified as physically inactive (3000 MET-min/week). In the calculation 

of energy expenditure for physical activities, the weekly duration (minutes) of each activity 

was multiplied by the MET energy values generated for the International Physical Activity 

Questionnaire. Thus, energy expenditures for intense, moderate, walking, sitting and total 

physical activity for each individual were obtained in MET-min/week units. The categorical 

classification includes 3 categorical classifications of physical activity levels. Physical activity 

levels are classified as physically inactive (inactive), low physical activity level (minimally 

active) and adequate physical activity level (highly active). There is no accepted threshold value 

referred to as the categorical level (Öztürk, 2005).  

Study Publication Ethics: The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Gazi 

University Rectorate. It was discussed and approved at the meeting dated 27.12.2022 and 

numbered 22. Study Code No: 2023-14  

Data Analysis:  

In the present study, power analysis was performed for the suitability of the population and 

sample. In the analysis of the data obtained, the data were entered into the computer as 

numerical expressions. The data were statistically analyzed using the statistical package 

program IBM SPSS 25.0.  Percentage calculations of the data were performed. The one-way 

ANOVA-TUKEY test was applied to determine the relationship between the variables. The 

level of statistical significance was taken as p<0.001.    

2.3. Data Analysis 

When the table is examined, it is observed that the percentage of the 14-year-old female first 

year high-school students (9th grade) is 55.1% and the percentage of the 15-year-old female 

students is 44.8%, while the percentage of the female students in the general distribution of the 

study is 45.2%. The percentage of the 14-year-old male students is 44.9%, while the percentage 

of the 15-year-old male students is 55.2%, and the percentage of the male students in the general 



International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET) 2023, 10(3), 2070-2088.  

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distribution of the study is 54.8%. According to the school types in the table, the percentage 

distribution of the vocational high school students is 23.4% while this rate is 8.0% for the sports 

high school students, 29.1% for the Religious high school students, 22.6% for the Standart high 

school students and 16.9% for the science high school students. Based on the gender variable, 

the rate of inactive female students is 7.0%, the rate of students with low levels of activity is 

36.4%, and the rate of students with adequate levels of activity is 56.6%. The proportion of 

inactive male students is 4.5% while this rate is 25.0% for the students with low levels of 

activity and 70.5% for the students with adequate levels of activity. When the physical activity 

levels of the students are analyzed in general, the rate of inactive students is 5.7%, the rate of 

students with low levels of activity is 30.7%, and the rate of students with adequate levels of 

activity is 63.6% (Table 1). 

 

Table 1. Demographic Information of the Participants 

Variables    n  %  

Total number of participants    261
  

100  

Age  14  
118

  
45.2

  

  15  
143

  
54.8

  

  

Gender  

14 (female)  
65  55.1

  

15(female)  
64  44.8

  

14 (male)  
53  44.9

  

15(male)  
79  55.2

  

High Schools   

Vocational  
61  23.4

  

Sports  21  8.0  

Religious  
76  29.1

  



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Standart  
59  22.6

  

Science  
44  16.9

  

  Inactive  15  5.7  

Physical activity levels  
Low activity  

80  30.7
  

  
Adequate  

166

  
63.6

  

  Inactive  9  7.0  

Physical activity levels by gender (Female)  
Low activity  

47  36.4
  

  
Adequate  

73  56.6
  

  Inactive  6  4.5  

Physical activity levels by gender (Male)  
Low activity  

33  25.0
  

  
Adequate  

93  70.5
  

 

When anthropometric data were analyzed according to school types, significant differences 

were found in terms of age, height, and body fat ratios. In terms of the age variable, it was 

determined that the mean age of the science high school students was lower than or equal to 

that of the other school types, while the mean age of the vocational high school students was 

higher than that of the other school types. No difference was detected between the age status 

of the sports high school, Religious high school and Standart high school students. When the 

data between the school types were examined in terms of the height variable, it was determined 

that the vocational high school students had the lowest scores, the Standart high school and 

science high school students had equal height scores, the Religious high school students had 

better scores than the said students, and there was a significant difference in favor of the sports 

high school students with the highest height score ratios. When the data between the school 

types were analyzed in terms of the body fat ratio variable, it was determined that the most 

desirable values belonged to the sports high school students. When the scores were sorted 



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according to the schools, it was observed that the sports high school had a better mean score 

compared to the vocational high school, followed by the Standart and Religious high schools, 

while the vocational high school had a better mean score compared to the science high school. 

In summary, it was determined that the body fat ratios of the sports high school students were 

at the most desirable values and the body fat ratios of the science high school students were at 

the least desirable values. No significant difference was found in body weight and BMI scores.  

When the performance tests were analyzed in terms of school types, a significant difference 

was found in the 1000m, left hand grip, right hand grip, and sit-reach scores. When the scores 

of the 1000m performance test were ranked from best to worst in terms of school types, the 

best score was obtained by the sports high school students, followed by the Standart high school 

students, science high school students and Religious high school students while the least 

favorable score was obtained by the vocational high school students. When the right-hand grip 

power data were examined, it was determined that the values of the sports high school, 

Religious high school and science high school students were equal to each other, while the 

values of the Standart high school and vocational high school students were equal to each other 

but inferior to the other three high schools. When the left-hand grip power data were examined, 

it was determined that the sports high school students had the highest values, followed by the 

Religious high school and science high school students with values equal to each other and 

higher than the Standart high school and vocational high school students, while the lowest 

scores were obtained by the Standart high school and vocational high school students. When 

the sit-reach test data were examined, it was observed that the best scores were obtained by the 

sports high school students, followed by the vocational high school and Standart high school 

students, while the poorest scores were obtained by the Religious and science high school 

students.  

When the physical activity level data were analyzed in terms of school types, a significant 

difference was found in walking activity, moderately intense activity, intense activity and 

sitting activity. In walking activity, moderately intense activity and intense activity, the best 

scores were recorded in the sports high school students, followed by the science high school 

students, while the lowest scores were obtained by the Standart high school and vocational high 

school students. In sitting activity, the opposite was the case, with the lowest scores in the sports 

high school and the highest scores in the Standart high school. It is seen that the statistical data 

of the study are internally consistent.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Table 2. Statistical information on the anthropometric features, performance tests and 

physical activity levels of the students according to school types 

 

Variables 

Vocationa

l  

(n=61) 

Sports  

(n=21) 

Religious 

(n=76) 

Standar

t 

(n=59) 

Science 

(n=44)  
F p Tukey 

Anthropometrics 

Age (Y) 14.7±0.5 14.6±0.5 14.5±0.5 14.6±0.5 
14.3±0.

5 
4.125 

0.003

* 

R=ST=S=SC<

V 

Height 

(Cm) 

161.4 ± 

8.2 

168.4± 

8.9 

167.5 ± 

9.0 

166.9± 

7.6 

166.7 ± 

9.1 
5.714 

0.001

* 

V<ST=SC<R<

S 

Weight 

(Kg) 
59.1± 13.6 

60.0± 

10.2 

64.4± 

18.8 

62.2± 

14.9 

62.5± 

12.2 
1.112 0.351 - 

BMI 

(Kg/m2) 
22.7 ± 4.8 

21.1 ± 

2.3 
22.7 ± 5.1 

22.3 ± 

5.0 

22.5 ± 

3.8 
0.538 0.738 - 

Body fat 

ratio (%) 
26.4 ± 8.6 

20.8 ± 

4.7 
23.7 ± 7.9 

23.9 ± 

7.7 

27.1 ± 

7.7 
3.581 

0.007

* 

S<ST=R<V<S

C  

Performance Tests 

1000 M 

(min, sec) 
8.1± 1.5 6.4± 0.9 7.9± 1.9 7.5± 1.6 7.7± 1.9 4.515 

0.002

* 

S<ST<SC<R<

V 

Right hand 

grip power 

(kg) 

23.9 ± 8.6 
27.8 ± 

6.6 
26.2 ± 7.6 

22.6 ± 

6.5 

25.8 ± 

6.8 
3.168 

0.015

* 

ST=V<SC=R=

S 

Left hand 

grip power 

(kg) 

20.8 ± 8.5 
26.6 ± 

8.3 
23.8 ± 6.2 

21.7 ± 

7.4 

24.5 ± 

6.7 
3.718 

0.006

* 

ST=V<SC=R<

S 

Sit-and-

reach (cm) 
25.8 ± 6.6 

29.2 ± 

3.9 
23.9 ± 6.3 

24.4 ± 

6.1 

22.6 ± 

7.6 
4.503 

0.002

* 

R=SC<ST<V<

S 

Physical Activity (PA) 



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2079 

 

Walking 

activity 

1282 ± 

1096 
2013 ± 

1.1 
1487 ± 

1.0 
1167 

±1.0 
2289 

±1.9 
6.676 

0.001

* 

ST<V<R<SC=

S 

Moderately 

intense 

activity 

489 ± 6.1 
1070 ± 

9.5 
607± 5.5 

264 ± 

4.0 
740 ± 

1.0 
6.616 

0.001

* 

ST<V<R<SC<

S 

Intense 

activity 
678 ± 1.0 

1967 ± 

1.9 
1374± 1.4 409± 6.6 

1982 

±1.8 
13.09

9 

0.001

* 

ST<V<R<S=S

C 

Total 
2449 ± 2.4 

5051 ± 

2.6 
3468 ± 

2.1 
1840 

±1.6 
5010 

±3.1 
16.49

1 

0.001

* 

ST<V<R<SC<

S 

Sitting 

activity 
575 ± 1.4 

450 ± 

1.2 
462 ± 1.4 

645 ± 

1.5 
593 ± 

2.4 
13.20

0 

0.001

* 

S<R<V<SC<S

T 

 

Table 3 shows that when the data on the categorical classification of physical activity levels are 

examined, no significant difference was found in terms of anthropometric measurements. When 

the performance tests data were analyzed, a significant difference was found in the 1000 m. 

and right-hand grip power scores. In the 1000 m. performance test, it was determined that the 

scores of the highly active participants were higher than the scores of the minimally active and 

inactive participants. When the right-hand grip power scores were analyzed, it was observed 

that the inactive participants had the lowest score, and the highly active participants had the 

highest score. No significant difference was found in terms of the left-hand grip and sit-reach 

test scores. 

According to the categorical classification of physical activity levels, a significant difference 

was found in walking activity, moderately intense activity, intense activity and sitting activity. 

In all activities except sitting activity, it was found that the highly active participants had high 

scores and the lowest scores were obtained by the inactive participants. It was found that the 

opposite was the case in the sitting activity scores, with the highly active participants having 

the lowest scores and the inactive participants having the highest scores. 

Table 3. Statistical information on the anthropometric features, physical activity levels 

and BMI (CDC) values of the students according to the categorical classification of 

physical activity levels 

 

Variables 
Inactive 

(n=15) 

Minimally 

active 

(n=80) 

Highly 

active 

(n=166) 

F p Tukey 

Age (Y) 14.7±0.5 14.6±0.5 14.5±0.5 1.728 0.180 - 



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Height (Cm) 165.4 ± 7.6 164.6± 8.5 166.6 ± 9.1 1.374 0.255 - 

Weight (Kg) 63.4± 15.9 61.8± 17.3 61.9± 14.1 0.072 0.930 - 

BMI (Kg/m2) 23.3 ± 6.7 22.6 ± 5.4 22.2 ± 4.0 0.498 0.609 - 

Body fat ratio (%) 25.4 ± 9.7 25.9 ± 7.5 24.1 ± 8.0 1.484 0.229 - 

Performance Tests 

1000 M (min, sec) 8.1± 1.4 8.0± 1.6 7.5± 1.8 3.871 0.022* H<M=I 

Right hand grip power 

(kg) 
22.5 ± 9.5 23.1 ± 7.7 25.9 ± 7.1 4.806 0.009* I<M<H 

Left hand grip power 

(kg) 
20.8 ± 8.6 21.5 ± 7.6 23.8 ± 7.2 3.254 0.040 - 

Sit-and-reach (cm) 24.2 ± 7.9 24.4 ± 6.5 24.9 ± 6.6 0.227 0.797 -- 

Physical Activity (PA) 

Walking activity 
294 ± 136 

700.6 ± 

306.1 
2064 ± 

1370 
50.900 0.001* I<M<H 

Moderately intense 

activity 
69.3 ± 88.8 

209.2 

±221.6 
775.9± 

811.9 
24.250 0.001* I<M<H 

Intense activity 
5.3 ± 20.7 

160.5 ± 

220.1 
1719± 

1555 
48.637 0.001* I<M<H 

Total 368.4 ± 

148.5 
1070.3 ± 

297.4 
4559 ± 

2439 
102.93

0 
0.001* I<M<H 

Sitting activity 678.0 ± 

185.9 
623.3 ± 

168.1 
504.8 ± 

170.4 
17.432 0.001* H<M<I 

 

 

4. Conclusion and Recommendations 

In the analyses performed based on school types, which is the main purpose of the study, the 

scores of the anthropometric characteristic variable of height were examined and it was 



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2081 

 

observed that the sports high school students had the highest scores, and the vocational high 

school students had the lowest scores. When the scores of the body fat percentage variable were 

examined, it was seen that the highest scores were obtained by the science high school, 

vocational high school, imam hatip high school and Anatolian high school students, 

respectively, and the lowest score was obtained by the sports high school. This situation creates 

a significant and positive difference in favor of the sports high school. The reason for this 

difference in terms of both height and body fat percentage can be explained by the fact that 

sports high school students are more active, diverse in physical activity, and involved in sports. 

The fact that physical activity is very effective on the development of adolescents has been 

evaluated in numerous studies from different aspects. For example, Silva et al. (2022) found a 

linear trend between physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness of children and 

adolescents. When the more physically active group was compared with the less active group 

in both males and females, the active group had higher VO2 values. Olivera et al. (2017) 

reported a positive relationship between cardiorespiratory endurance and moderate physical 

activity. Bonney et al. (2018) reported that overweight and obese South African adolescent 

females had lower cardiorespiratory fitness, decreased lower body muscle strength, and greater 

grip power compared to their peers with normal weight. In the study conducted by Cadenas et 

al. (2021), adolescent males reported higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and higher 

motivation and lower anxiety compared to females. In the present study, when the performance 

tests were examined according to school types, it was seen that the best scores in the 1000m 

(run-walk) test, right hand power, left hand power, and sit-reach test data belonged to the sports 

high school, the lowest score in the 1000m test belonged to the vocational high school, the 

lowest score in the right hand-left hand power test belonged to the Anatolian high school, and 

the lowest score in the sit-reach test belonged to the imam hatip and science high schools. In 

terms of performance, it is observed that the sports high school students have better grades 

compared to the other high schools. When physical activity level was categorically grouped, it 

was determined in the findings of the study that the students with long sitting times were 

inactive and minimally active, while the students engaging in walking and more intense activity 

were highly active. In the physical fitness parameters obtained as a result of the measurements 

in connection with the scores determined at the level of physical activity in the study, it can be 

clearly seen that the sports high school students attained higher scores compared to the other 

high school types. 

When the findings obtained from the study data were evaluated, it was observed that the female 

students had lower physical activity level scores and were less active than the male students, 

while the male students had higher physical activity level scores. When the studies including 

comparisons between genders in the literature are examined, it is noteworthy that there are 

similar results, particularly for adolescence. In the study conducted by Palacios et al. (2022), it 

was concluded that physical activity and physical fitness play an important role in adolescence 

and are considered as indicators of the current and future health status of young adults, and that 

there is a direct relationship between the physical activity levels of Peruvian adolescents and 

their self-perceived physical fitness. 



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When different studies conducted in similar age groups were examined, in the study conducted 

by Kryst et al. (2022), it was reported that there was a decrease in general motor performance 

in children and adolescents over the years, which may be related to a decrease in the level of 

physical activity in the current population, as well as a higher rate of excess weight and high 

body fat. Although the physical activity and physical fitness parameters of the Sports High 

School students were higher than the others, there was no significant difference between the 

school types in terms of body weight and BMI values. To make a general evaluation, although 

the students at the sports high school were found to be statistically more active in the study, 

this did not create a significant difference in terms of BMI. In the study, an evaluation was 

made with the 1000 m. run and walk test, performed to measure maximum oxygen 

consumption, which is one of the components of physical fitness related to health and is also 

of great importance in development. In the results obtained, it was seen that the sports high 

school students achieved the highest mean score. There are previous studies showing that 

physical activity in children and adolescents contributes positively to maximum oxygen intake 

(Dobbins et al., 2013; Kriemler et al., 2011; Armstrong et al., 2011; Wassenaar et al., 2021). In 

the study conducted by Polat et al. (2003) titled "Evaluation Of 14 Years Old Children’s 

Physical Fitness Levels and Anthropometric Characteristics", a significant difference was 

found in the weight, flexibility, and VO2 values of athlete and sedentary children, but no 

significant difference was found in BMI and grip power values. Regular sports training can 

significantly improve the anthropometric and physical fitness levels of children. This finding 

is in parallel with the present study as no significant difference was found in the BMI value, 

but a significant difference was found in the flexibility and VO2 values. In the study conducted 

by Talu&Doğan (2016), no statistically significant difference was found between male and 

female participants in the sit-reach test. In grip power, a significant difference was found 

between genders for both hands. In the study conducted by Asma&Işık (2020) titled 

"Comparison of Physical Fitness of the High School Students Participating and Not 

Participating in School Sports Using the Eurofit Test Battery", a significant difference was 

found in favor of female students participating in school sports in terms of flexibility values. In 

the study conducted by Bilim et al. (2016) titled "Investigation of Physical Fitness of 12-17 

Years Old Students Who Engage and Do Not Engage in Sports", a significant difference was 

found between sedentary students and students who engage in sports in terms of flexibility in 

favor of female participants. In the study conducted by Aslan&Çınar (2012) titled "Comparison 

of Selected Physical and Physiological Characteristics of Active and Sedentary Individuals of 

Each Gender", results in favor of participants who engage in sports were found in all parameters 

except flexibility. In the present study, a significant difference was found in flexibility values 

in favor of the sports high school students according to school types. However, no difference 

was found in terms of flexibility in the categorical classification.  

The fact that the course programs of sports high school students are more suitable in terms of 

accessing more activity levels, the Physical Education course hours are abundant, and students 

are more interested in sports branches can be said to influence these results. In the study 

conducted by Özbay (2022) titled "Comparison of Physical Fitness Levels of Individuals aged 

15-17 Who Engage in Sports and Those Who Do Not in terms of Lateralization", a significant 



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2083 

 

relationship was found in most of the measurements made, and if not, it was seen that the scores 

were in favor of the participants who engaged in sports. Therefore, it can be said that engaging 

in sports improves physical fitness and motor competencies. In the overall study, it was stated 

that engaging in sports in adolescence as a developmental period contributes to physical 

development and provides a balanced and healthy development. 

In conclusion, based on the findings obtained in the study, it was determined that the physical 

fitness and anthropometric features of the sports high school students, who are thought to have 

the opportunity to engage in more physical activity compared to the other school types, are 

more developed. In the study, it was observed that the increase in physical activity levels was 

particularly more effective in the development of cardiorespiratory endurance, one of the 

health-related physical fitness parameters. In general, it is explained in detail in the present 

study and many other studies that the increase in physical activity level can be effective in the 

development of physical fitness and anthropometric features of students. Therefore, it can be 

said that the more physical education and sports activities are included within the framework 

of school types and curricula, the healthier the development of children and adolescents can be. 

In order to encourage students to engage in physical activity during adolescence, the content of 

physical education courses should be planned in a way to increase the participation of students. 

The utilization of various methods that will contribute to students can be very beneficial for 

raising a healthier youth, healthy individuals and, therefore, healthy societies.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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