The Relationship Between 5th Grade Students’ Physical Confidence and FitnessGram Scores

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether FitnessGram test scores could accurately predict 5th grade students’ confidence in PE class. The researcher hypothesized that FitnessGram scores would significantly predict confidence levels, with the strongest predictor of confidence likely being the Pacer test of cardiovascular endurance. A Functional Body Image Questionnaire (FBIQ) created by the researcher was completed by 58 fifth grade students to yield a confidence score. A multiple regression was used to determine if the four FitnessGram test scores gathered for each student from the previous year could accurately predict confidence scores. The results indicated the combination of the four FitnessGram scores did not significantly explain the variance of the criterion (Confidence scores) (R-squared = .129, p < .113). Therefore, the null hypothesis was retained. Results did indicate there were four significant correlations between the following scores, only one of which was with the criterion, Confidence. These were between the Confidence and Push-Up scores (r = .27, p < .04), Pacer and Push-Up scores (r = .36, p < .004), Curl-Up and Push-Up scores (r = .345, p < .008) and Sit and Reach and Pacer scores (r = .264, p < .045). Factors influencing confidence of students in PE class should continue to be researched in order to develop more effective ways to motivate children to live a healthy lifestyle.