Comparison of motor development of boys and girls aged 11-17

The motor development of boys and girls attending Slovenian primary and secondary schools was compared. Research was carried out on a representative sample of 517 boys and 807 girls aged 11-17. Twenty-six tests were chosen to evaluate motor abilities. Basic statistical parameters were used to analyze the motor status of boys and girls and classic procedures of factor analysis were used. In boys, greatest progress is observed between the ages of 13 and 15, whereas temporary stagnation can be noted between the ages of 11 and 13 in muscular strength of the arms and shoulder girdle. Between the ages of 15 and 17 stagnation can be observed in information as well as energy components. In girls, greater positive changes can be observed between the ages of 11 and 13 when girls achieve best results in those procedures that hypothetically cover the energy and information component of movement. The greatest decrement trend can be observed in these procedures in girls aged 15 to 17. In younger subjects of both genders the structure of the latent motor area is less clearly defined and achievements depend on the simultaneous action of different mechanisms responsible for the energy and information components of movement. Generally, the latent structure of motor area of boys and girls is similar; it differs to the greatest extent at the age of 13. The changes are explained by puberty changes, which girls undergo earlier.