EFFECTIVENESS OF THE “IAAF KIDS ATHLETICS PROJECT” IN LEVELLING CHANGES OF GENERAL PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AMONG BOYS OF EARLY SCHOOL AGE

The study presents the results of general physical performance among 3rd grade pupils at an elementary school on Ďumbierska street in Banska Bystrica. Results were gained through the application of selected tests and EUROFIT and UNIFIT [5; 2]. The experimental group consisted of 16 subjects (boys), aged 8 – 9 years, who attended athletics preparation within the "IAAF Kids' Athletics" program. The control group accounted for 18 subjects (boys) ofthe same age. The research period lasted nine mesocycles from 15th October 2014 to 17th June 2015. All the results obtained in the input and output measurements were mutually compared and evaluated using statistical methods. The output measurements in the experimental group compared with the control group experienced statistically significant changes at p ≤ 0.05 in all tests performed. Effect size was confirmed in tests on two medium effects and two large effects.