earticle

영어

The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the physique and physical fitness of urban 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade male and female elementary school Japanese and Korean students. The total number of subjects was 384 students (Korean=183: Japanese = 201), who applied for the test in each group. In this study, 3 factors in the physical aspect and 7 factors in physical fitness were measured and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 12.0 software, and statistical processes were all performed at the significant level of .05. The results of this study were as follows: 1. Characteristics of the Physique The height showed higher in Korean males and females aging 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students than the Japanese. The weight showed higher in Koreans than the Japanese except male 2nd and female 3rd graders. The sitting height showed higher in Koreans than the Japanese except female 3rd graders. 2. Characteristics of physical fitness The grip strength showed higher in Koreans than the Japanese except 3rd graders. The sit and reach showed higher in Korean than the Japanese except 2nd and 3rd female graders. The 50m dash showed higher in Japanese than the Korean except 2nd and 3rd graders. The side step, standing long jump and ball throw showed higher in Japanese than the Korean. In conclusion, this study proves that, unlike Japanese students, Korean elementary school students in lower classes are superior in physique but inferior in physical fitness including agility, speed and power. The result shows poor circumstances of Korean physical education which lacks in supporting facilities. In addition, too much emphasis on test-based education system has caused that physical activities were ignored more or less. In Japan, however, students enjoy variety of facilities like gymnasiums, swimming pools and etc.. This study, therefore, suggests that new excercise programs like dumbbells excercise, band training and swiss ball training should be adapted to school curriculum or post-class physical programs. Also, improvement in agility, speed, power can be expected by adapting traditional games which are friendly to students in lower classes.