Start Date
17-6-2025 3:00 PM
End Date
17-6-2025 4:30 PM
Abstract
Background
NETFIT® a health-related, criterion-referenced physical fitness test battery is the compulsory PF assessment in grades 5-12 in Hungary. In 2016-2017 the Hungarian School Sport Federation adapted the battery to children with special educational needs (SEN). Since then, the physical fitness of youth with SEN has been assessed annually at national level.
Purpose
The aim of our presentation is to introduce the physical fitness of students with SEN based on NETFIT® results of the school year 2023/2024 and to compare it with typically developing children (TDC).
Methods
In the school year 2023/2024, 4620 students (2980 boys and 1640 girls) were registered as student with SEN in NETFIT®'s IT system, our results reflect their fitness. Our study sample included pupils with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), physical disability, communication disability, hearing and visual impairment with average age of 15,24±2,69 age.
Results
All groups of students with SEN show lower healthy fitness zone achievement rates than TDC in almost all tests. The biggest difference was in the PACER test results, which is connected to cardiovascular disease later in life. (TDC: 57.58%, children with SEN: 6.67% /blind pupils/ -33.33% /communication disability/ reached healthy zone.) SEN students are also characterised by a lower healthy fitness zone achievement rates in the musculoskeletal and flexibility profile. Fitness of children with ASD, hearing and visual impairment is reduced compared to other SNI groups.
Conclusion
The results highlight the importance of regular physical activity of children with SEN in order to prevent non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases.
Recommended Citation
Tóthné Dr. Kälbli, Katalin; Dr. Csányi, Tamás; Cselkó, Alexandra; and Dr. Kaj, Mónika, "The physical fitness of youth with special educational needs in Hungary based on NETFIT® measurement in school year 2023/2024" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 72.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day2/72
The physical fitness of youth with special educational needs in Hungary based on NETFIT® measurement in school year 2023/2024
Background
NETFIT® a health-related, criterion-referenced physical fitness test battery is the compulsory PF assessment in grades 5-12 in Hungary. In 2016-2017 the Hungarian School Sport Federation adapted the battery to children with special educational needs (SEN). Since then, the physical fitness of youth with SEN has been assessed annually at national level.
Purpose
The aim of our presentation is to introduce the physical fitness of students with SEN based on NETFIT® results of the school year 2023/2024 and to compare it with typically developing children (TDC).
Methods
In the school year 2023/2024, 4620 students (2980 boys and 1640 girls) were registered as student with SEN in NETFIT®'s IT system, our results reflect their fitness. Our study sample included pupils with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), physical disability, communication disability, hearing and visual impairment with average age of 15,24±2,69 age.
Results
All groups of students with SEN show lower healthy fitness zone achievement rates than TDC in almost all tests. The biggest difference was in the PACER test results, which is connected to cardiovascular disease later in life. (TDC: 57.58%, children with SEN: 6.67% /blind pupils/ -33.33% /communication disability/ reached healthy zone.) SEN students are also characterised by a lower healthy fitness zone achievement rates in the musculoskeletal and flexibility profile. Fitness of children with ASD, hearing and visual impairment is reduced compared to other SNI groups.
Conclusion
The results highlight the importance of regular physical activity of children with SEN in order to prevent non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases.