Assessing Physical Fitness Differences between High School and Dakhil Madrasah Boys in Bangladesh

Physical fitness is essential for adolescents as it promotes overall health, prevents chronic diseases, and improves mental and cognitive well-being. Aim: To compare the physical fitness and motor performance of boys from High Schools and Madrasahs in Rangpur District of Bangladesh. Methods:400 physically fit boys aged 14–16 from 10 high schools and 10 madrasahs were randomly selected. Using the JCR fitness test, measurements of age, weight, height, and BMI were taken. Vertical jump was recorded as the best of three attempts, chin-ups counted in one trial, and shuttle run time measured over a 100-meter course between two 10-meter markers. Statistics: Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test due to non-normal distribution, with a power of 0.89 and a medium effect size. Results: High School students had a higher mean vertical jump (42.62 cm) and faster shuttle run time (26.96 milliseconds), while Madrasah students showed higher mean chin-ups (8.22) and overall JCR fitness scores (232.69). Significant differences were found in vertical jump (U = 17587.00, p = .037), favoring High School students, and in overall JCR score (U = 17461.00, p = .028), favoring Madrasah students. No significant differences were observed in height, weight, BMI, chin-ups, or shuttle run time despite differences in mean values. Conclusion: The study shows Madrasah boys performed better overall in fitness, High School boys excelled in leg power (vertical jump), and both groups had similar chin-up and shuttle run results.