The Physical Literacy Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Han and Tibetan Children and Adolescents Aged 8-12 in China

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to explore the physical literacy characteristics and influencing factors of 8-12 year old children and adolescents from the Han and Tibetan ethnic groups in China, providing new ideas and perspectives for the construction of a physical literacy assessment system for different altitudes children and adolescents, and providing scientific reference for the formulation and implementation of relevant policies. Methods A cluster sampling method was adopted in Lhasa City of Xizang Autonomous Region and Taiyuan City of Shanxi Province. 450 children and adolescents aged 8-12 years were selected from each area as the research subjects. The second edition of the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment System is used to test the physical literacy level of Han and Tibetan children aged 8-12. Independent sample t-test and analysis of variance were used for difference testing, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between different dimensions and physical literacy level, as well as the relationship between each dimension. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to explore the interaction effects. Result 1) The total physical literacy score of Han and Tibetan children and adolescents aged 8-12 is only 53.82 ± 6.90, with primary and developmental levels accounting for 97.31%. The overall level of physical literacy is relatively low; The physical literacy scores of Tibetan and Han children and adolescents are similar, and there is no difference. However, in terms of Physical Competnce, Tibetan girls have a higher level of Physical Competnce than Han girls (p=0.030). In terms of daily behavior, Tibetan children and adolescents are significantly better than Han children and adolescents (p=0.010 for boys and p=0.002 for girls); In terms of knowledge and understanding, Han children and adolescents are significantly higher than Tibetan children and adolescents (p<. 001 for males and p<. 001 for females). 2) There are gender and age differences in the physical literacy level of children and adolescents aged 8-12 (p<0.001 * *); There is an interactive effect between gender and age on the level of physical literacy, but the effect value is relatively small. 3) There is a correlation between each dimension and the total score of physical literacy, with daily behavior having the highest correlation with the total score of physical literacy (r=0.662, p<0.001). Conclusion: The overall physical literacy level of Han Tibetan children and adolescents aged 8-12 is not high, and there are regional, gender, and age differences. It is urgent to develop a scientific and effective evaluation system for the physical literacy of different altitudes adolescents as soon as possible, taking into account the educational background, physical and mental characteristics of adolescents, and the current physical activity situation in China.