Effect of structured physical activity programs on physical fitness and body compotition among junior high school: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to ascertain how an organized physical exercise program might enhance body composition and physical fitness. The research method used was an experiment by comparing the two interventions in the control and experimental groups. The sample in this study were junior high school students totalling 60, with a division of 30 control group samples and 30 experimental group samples. The sampling technique is stratified random sampling, which considers gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), initial physical fitness level. Structured physical activity intervention program with a frequency of 3 times a week and duration of 60 minutes per session. Based on the independent t-test test, there was an increase in the variable push-ups, sit-ups, and VO2max of students at the posttest with a p-value <0.05. While the results of the Paired t-test test of pretest and posttest assessments show a t-value > p-value. The experimental group and the control group differed significantly (p = 0.033). The experimental group showed a lower BMI with a difference of 1.04, the effect size showed a moderate effect (d = 0.563). There was a significant difference in body fat percentage between the two groups (p = 0.017); the experimental group had a lower body fat percentage with a difference of 0.36%. Effect size showed moderate effect (d = 0.634). There was a highly significant difference in visceral fat (p = 0.003); the experimental group showed a greater reduction in visceral fat with a difference of 1.00. Effect size showed a large effect (d = 0.806). There were significant relationships between all pairs of variables. The strength of correlation varied from strong (0.884–0.937) to very strong. A structured physical activity program that includes the development of fundamental movement skills, circuit training, and sport-based activities can provide various benefits for students. Keywords: Structured physical activity (PA), physical fitness, body composition