Magdalena Tyc, Marek Kiljański

M. Tyc, M. Kiljański – Comparison of Physical Fitness of 11-12 Years Old Children Who Are Either Healthy, Deaf or Blind. FP 2017; 17(1); 56-62

Abstract
Introduction. Currently, children tend to prefer a rather sedentary lifestyle. They are more likely to choose such forms of leisure activities, which do not cause a fatigue and do not require physical effort. Limitation of physical activity carries the risk of low physical fitness.
Physical fitness is not only dependent on the musculoskeletal system, but on the condition of the whole body.
Research Goal. To evaluate how much impact on the level of physical fitness in children has the fact, that they are affected by visual or hearing impairments.
Materials and Methods. Examinations were carried out in primary schools, on 69 pupils (32 girls and 37 boys,) 11-12 years old. The research took place during the period from February 8th to 24th, 2016. The examined children were divided into three groups: 24 healthy children (10 girls and 14 boys,) 22 deaf children (10 girls and 12 boys,) and 23 blind children (12 girls and 11 boys).
All children were tested for their physical fitness, with the 5 tests for: balance, upper extremities’ muscles strength, lower extremities strength, abdominal muscles strength, and body flexibility.
Results. Our research has shown, that in all tests there have occurred statistically significant differences between the group of healthy children, and those of either deaf or blind children. The pupils with disabilities have obtained worse results. In the majority of test, the deaf children have obtained statistically, significantly better results than blind children.
Conclusions. On the basis of the carried out research, it can be concluded, that the fact of a child having either visual or hearing impairment has a significant impact on the physical fitness of such child.

Key words:
deaf children, blind children, physical fitness