Differences in basic motor skills among students at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies regarding Special physical education 1

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the differences between the levels of basic motor skills (BMS) at the entrance exam in relation to BMS in the semester exam in Special Physical Education 1 (SPE 1). The sample consisted of 119 students (39 girls and 80 boys) enrolled at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies. Student's t-test was used to determine the differences between the observed variables, while the eta square (e2) was calculated to determine effect size. There was a statistically significant improvement for the maximum isometric force of the fingers of the dominant hand (t = -4.296; p <0.000), the repetitive strength of the forearm extensors (t = -4.218; p <0.000), the repetitive strength of the trunk flexors (t = -4.191; p <0.000) and general aerobic endurance (t = -2.473; p <0.018) in female students, as well as for the explosive strength of the leg extensors (t = -2.246; p <0.028), the repetitive strength of the trunk flexors (t = -5.152; p < 0.000), general aerobic endurance (t = -2.512; p <0.021) and maximum isometric force of the back (t = -14.283; p <0.000) among the students. The results of e2 demonstrated that the effect of SPE 1 classes on most observed motor skills in the students of both sexes was strong.