Comparative analysis of physical fitness indicators among 5th–6th grade students in urban and rural general secondary education institutions

The issue of physical fitness among schoolchildren in general secondary education institutions has become a topic of extensive discussion among researchers and physical education teachers. The age of children studying in grades 5–6 is favorable for the development of their fundamental physical qualities. Therefore, the investigation and comparison of physical fitness indicators of 5th–6th grade students living in urban and rural areas remain relevant for the further improvement of the educational process. Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of physical fitness indicators among school-aged students in urban and rural general secondary education institutions. During the study, pedagogical testing was carried out to assess the physical fitness levels of children. The results indicate that rural students generally demonstrate higher levels of strength and speed-strength abilities, which can be attributed to a more active lifestyle associated with physical labor or higher levels of extracurricular physical activity. In contrast, students in urban general secondary education institutions exhibit slightly better preparation for speed and flexibility exercises, likely due to greater access to sports clubs and specialized training environments. Overall, the observed differences are relatively minor but merit attention when planning the physical education curriculum. Thus, the study’s findings confirm the relevance of a systematic analysis of physical fitness indicators among students in different residential settings and justify the need to improve physical education practices, taking into account the specifics of urban and rural environments.