Paper Title
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS PARTICIPATION

Abstract
Abstract - Background. Physical education (PE) class participation is associated with physical activity among adolescents regardless of gender or age group (Uddin et al, 2020) and lower sedentary behavior (Da Silva et al., 2022). Physical activity and reduced time being sedentary are related to better physical performance (Judice et al., 2017).This study aims to examine the direct relationships between participation in physical education classes and physical fitness. Methods. The cross-sectional epidemiological study included 3133 school-age children from 11 to 18 years old, mean age of 14.08 (2.21). There were 49.1% of boys and 50.1% of girls. Physical fitness indicators were measured by the EUROFIT test battery (Committee of Experts on Sports Research). Schoolchildren were asked how many physical education classes per week they have as the number differs depending on the grade and school and may vary from 2 to 4 classes per week. They were also asked how many classes they skipped last week. Answers varied from 1 to 4. Age, gender, and body mass index were considered covariates in this analysis. A series of linear hierarchical regressions were performed for each physical fitness indicator. In the first step, covariates were included, and in the second step – physical education class participation as predictors were added. Results indicated that 43.4% had 2 PE classes/week, 54.3% - 3 classes and 2.3% had 4 PE classes. 73.8% of schoolchildren did not skip any PE class, 13.6% - skipped 1 class, 7.5% – 2, 4.1% - 3, and 1% - 4 classes. Having more PE classes per week was associated with better balance, abdominal strength, muscular endurance of the upper body, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Skipping PE classes was related to worse speed and coordination, flexibility, lower body strength and power, abdominal strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Older age, male gender and not being overweight or obese were also associated with better physical fitness performance. Conclusion. More PE classes per week and controlling PE skipping could significantly contribute to the physical fitness of schoolchildren and, moreover, to their physical health. Schools play a crucial role in providing a structured environment for students to engage in regular physical activity and learn important life skills through physical education programs. Keywords - Schoolchildren, Physical Fitness, Physical Education