4. Bence Vály & Alexandra Csányi
Differences in the body composition of first and second grade Hungarian and Serbian children
University of Szeged, Institute of PE and Sport Sciences, Hungary
Supervisors: Kornélia Orbán, Lepes Josip
Bence Vály & Alexandra Csányi

5. Introduction
In 2012 every-day physical education was introduced to Hungarian primary and secondary schools.  Physical exercise five times a week at school!
In Serbia, children have considerably less PE lessons
The aim of this study was to decide whether every-day physical education has a beneficial effects on children’s body composition and if it makes a difference between the two nations.
Both girls and boys, in first and second grade.

6. Methods Participants:
Statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney U-test.
Participants:
50 first graders from Hungary and 113 from Serbia
67 second graders from Hungary and 84 from Serbia
 314 students altogether
Measured measurements:
Weight & Body mass index – BMI
Absolute fat mass & Percent body fat – BF%
Absolute muscle mass & Percent muscle mass – MM%
Absolute fat free mass & Percent fat free mass – FFM%
Basal metabolic rate
Fitness score
(InBody 230, Biospace)

7. Results
According to our results, there are major differences between the two nations’ students. Among the first graders, the Serbian students weigh more and have a higher BMI than the Hungarian ones. They have considerably higher BF%, as well. On the other hand, Hungarian boys - in first grade - have significantly higher percent muscle mass and fitness score. Serbians’ FFM% is greatly lower than the Hungarian students’.
In the second grade, Serbians have significantly higher BF%; meanwhile Hungarians have higher percent muscle mass. The Serbian pupils’ FFM% is considerably lower than the Hungarians, just like in first grade.

8. Weight and BMI in 1st grade* * * *
Mean ± SD
n = 25-58
* p<0.05

9. BF% and FFM% in 1st grade * * * *
Mean ± SD
n = 25-58
* p<0.05

10. Muscle mass% and fitness score in 1st grade* *
Mean ± SD
n = 25-55
* p<0.05
point

11. BF% and FFM% in 2nd grade * * * *
Mean ± SD
n = 26-45
* p<0.05

12. Muscle mass % in 2nd grade* *
Mean ± SD
n = 26-45
* p<0.05

13. Conclusion
These results obviously suggest that every-day physical education is beneficial for the children in regard to their body composition.
However, it is important to remark that in this study we did NOT take into consideration:  the children’s social status;  lifestyle;  out-of-school activities e.g. sports.
The investigation of these circumstances and their connections to the body composition seems to be perspective.

14. Thank you for your kind attention
Support
TÁMOP E-15/KONV
Central European Sport Sciences Cluster