Strength in young Italian students: results from Eurofit test and comparison among European data

Introduction. The health-related bene? ts of physical activity are well known. Participation in a physical activity could improve social well-being, as well as physical and mental health, among children and adolescents. Material and methods. Thus, during Physical Education lessons, over 1500 students were tested with the Bent Arm Hung and the Standing Broad Jump test; according to the instructions given by Eurofit battery. All phases of the test had been run by teachers that collected data relative to lower limb power and upper limbs isometric endurance strength. Results. Females jumped 150 cm (on average) while in Bent Arm Hung scored scantly results. The variability was high in both test. Males jumped over their own height with a variation smaller than females'. About isometric endurance strength the best group was the 16 years (male). Conclusion. These two tests showed in both genders a similar pattern to that of other young Europeans but future research are necessary to separate the correlation about country, rural area of origin and socioeconomic status. It may be concluded that the level of physical activity (and the possibility to play it) was a decisive factor on the level of performance.