Background: The goal of this research is to identify correlations of motivation and physical self-concept with physical activity among students of younger school age, as well as the level of prediction of motivation and physical self-concept with physical activity of students in physical education classes. Methods: The sample of respondents consisted of 411 students of the third and fourth grades from the territory of the Zlatibor district. A modified Self-Regulation Questionnaire was used to assess students’ motivational orientations, while appropriate subscales of the Self-perception Profile for Children measuring instrument were used to assess physical self-concept. Physical activity is shown as volume and intensive physical activity (vigorous physical activity (VPA)), measured with a Suunto memory belt pedometer and heart-rate monitor. Results: Boys’ motivational predictor variables accounted for 14% (volume) and 28% (VPA) of their physical activity in class, with intrinsic motivation, introjective regulation (just for the level of physical activity), and identified regulation as the most important determinants of physical activity. For girls, the identified regulation variable (from the system of motivational predictor variables) was shown to be the primary predictor variable on both criterion variables (R2 = 0.34 and 0.36). Conclusion: The teaching of physical education for students of younger school age should be conceived by creating a motivational climate, in order to encourage physical activity.

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in spending free time in kinesiology and non-kinesiology related activities between subsamples defined according to gender and age on the sample of students completing primary and attending lower secondary education. Daily physical exercise is very important for the health of children and youth. Failing to be involved in daily physical exercise and to participate in kinesiology related free time activities has become an important public health problem. This study was conducted on a convenience sample of boys and girls attending fifth to eighth grades. The total number of students who participated in the study was 847, of which 413 girls and 434 boys. A questionnaire, designed for the purpose of this research, was used to assess the level of students' activities in their free time. The significance of differences between subsamples defined according to gender was determined by Mann-Whitney U test, while the significance of age differences was determined by Kruskal Wallis test. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test confirmed the existence of statistically significant gender differences among fifth to eighth graders in the implementation of kinesiology and non-kinesiology related activities during free time. The analysis of kinesiology related activities shows that girls spend more time in the activities of walking, roller skating, playing badmiton, volleyball and dancing, while boys spend more free time cycling, playing football, basketball and handball. After analysing non-kinesiology related activities, it was established that boys are more interested in IT related activities (computer, playstation...) whose sole purpose is playing games and entertainment, while girls are more involved in activities that are fun, relaxing and educational. Significant age differences in the implementation of non-kinesiology related activities were also found among the students. The established difference is the most significant among age groups (younger and older students), but age differences are certainly also determined by natural laws of growth and development specific for the surveyed population. The analysis of the participation in kinesiology related activities did not reveal significant differences according to age.Key words: free time; kinesiology related activities; non-kinesiology related activities; students; school.---Sažetak Cilj je istraživanja bio utvrditi razlike u provođenja slobodnog vremena u kineziološkim i nekineziološkim aktivnostima između subuzoraka definiranih prema spolu i dobi kod učenika na kraju primarnog obrazovanje i nižeg srednjeg obrazovanja. Svakodnevno tjelesno vježbanje vrlo je važno za zdravstveno stanje djece i mladih. Neprakticiranje svakodnevnog tjelesnog vježbanja i neprovedba kinezioloških aktivnosti u slobodnom vremenu postaju važan javnozdravstveni problem. U provođenju ovog istraživanja korišten je prigodni uzorak učenika i učenica od petog do osmog razreda osnovnih škola. Ukupan broj učenika koji je sudjelovao u istraživanju je 847, od toga 413 djevojčica i 434 dječaka. Za procjenu razine aktivnosti učenika u slobodno vrijeme korišten je anketni upitnik koji je konstruiran za potrebe ovog istraživanja. Značajnosti razlika između subuzoraka ispitanika definiranih prema spolu utvrđene su Mann-Whitney U testom, a značajnosti razlika prema dobi utvrđene su Kruskal Wallis testom. Rezultati Mann-Whitney U testa potvrđuju postojanje statistički značajne razlike između učenika od petog do osmog razreda definiranih prema spolu u provedbi kinezioloških i nekinezioloških sadržaja u slobodno vrijeme. Kod kinezioloških aktivnosti djevojčice više vremena provode u aktivnostima šetnje, rolanja, igranja badmitona, odbojke i plesa, a dječaci slobodno vrijeme provode prakticirajući više od djevojčica vožnju biciklom, igrajući nogomet, košarku i rukomet. Gledajući nekineziološke aktivnosti, dječaci su zaineresiraniji za informatičke sadržaje (računalo, playstation…), samo s ciljem igre i zabave, a kod djevojčica prevladavaju sadržaji koji su zabavnog, opuštajućeg i edukativnog karaktera. Značajne razlike u provedbi nekinezioloških sadržaja postoje između učenika prema njihovoj dobi. Diskriminacija je najznačajnija prema dobi (mlađi i stariji učenici), ali svakako da razlike prema dobi određuju i prirodne zakonitosti rasta i razvoja koje se odvijaju kod ispitanih učenika. Isto je tako utvrđeno nepostojanje značajnih razlika u prakticiranju kinezioloških aktivnosti između učenika prema njihovoj dobi.Ključne riječi:kineziološke aktivnosti; nekineziološke aktivnosti; slobodno vrijeme; škola; učenici

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between CRF (cardiorespiratory fitness) and body composition, specifically obesity indicators, in a sample of schoolchildren from the continental and Adriatic regions of the Republic of Croatia. Given that Croatia ranks among the leading countries in Europe in terms of obesity, it is believed that there is a need to combat this condition starting from school age. The usefulness of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) lies in the fact that it is one of the indicators of children’s overall health and is considered a measure of general health status. The findings will emphasize the need to determine CRF and BMI as important factors that should be addressed from early school years in order to prevent future cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The total sample consisted of 423 students, including 212 girls and 211 boys, from the continental and Adriatic regions of the Republic of Croatia, with an average age of 10.32 years. Body height was measured using a portable stadiometer, while body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage were measured using a dual-frequency body composition analyzer (TANITA DC-360P) based on the principles of bioelectrical impedance. The WHR index was calculated as the ratio of waist to hips, while the WHtR index was calculated as the ratio of waist circumference to height. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20-meter multistage shuttle run test. Results: The results show that 25% of the participants were overweight, and 9% were obese. The ANOVA results indicate that the boys had significantly higher values for BMI, WC, HC, WHtR, and WHR, while the girls had a significantly higher body fat percentage (BF%). Additionally, the boys had better CRF, as they ran more meters in the 20-meter shuttle run test. The variance analysis revealed that the participants with normal body weight had significantly higher cardiorespiratory capacity values compared to overweight or obese students. Regression analysis showed statistical significance for the set of predictor variables, which were BMI indicators, on the criterion variable predicting cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in both genders. The coefficient of determination (R2) explained almost 22% of the shared variability in boys and 19% in girls. Statistically significant beta coefficients were found for body fat percentage (−0.60) in boys and (−0.98) in girls. Conclusions: Body fat percentage (BF%) was shown to be a significant and useful predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness in school-aged boys and girls. Maintaining an optimal body weight along with high levels of CRF should be an important goal in promoting health among children and adolescents.

Purpose: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important indicator of health. Previous studies have shown that regional affiliation and the socioeconomic development of the area significantly influence the development of CRF. The aim of this research was to identify whether there are any differences in CRF among primary school children based on the macroregion in which they live. Methods: The study in-cluded 651 fourth-grade students from primary schools in the Republic of Croatia, aged 10.30±0.47 years. The sample of children was divided into three macro-regions of the Republic of Croatia (Continental, City of Zagreb, Adriatic). The CRF was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run test. Results: The results indicate that children living in the region encompassing the city of Zagreb have significantly better results (45.77) in terms of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), which is used to assess CRF, compared to students coming from the Continental region (44.31). Students from the Adriatic macro-region have significantly better results (45.34) compared to those from the Conti-nental macro-region. There was no statistically significant difference observed between students from the city of Zagreb and the Adriatic macro-region. Conclusions: There is a great need to introduce physical exercise programs that affect the development of cardiorespiratory capacity in the Continental part of the Republic of Croatia, where it has been observed that students have a significantly lower level of cardiorespiratory fitness. There is a need to continue research that evaluates aerobic capacity in children and young people, and it should be based on direct measurements of aerobic capacity, by means of which more relevant data would be obtained, primarily on the values of maximum oxygen intake. Keywords: exercise physiology; physical fitness; relative age effects; students; young people.

The aim of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the instrument known as Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale (HEMS) that has been used to examine the foundation of holistic experience of motivation in adolescents. Analyzing current research, theories, and practices in positive psychology, it is assumed that the need for purpose, i.e. recognition of the purpose, is a common need manifested differently in different constructs of human motivation. The HEMS is proposed after a theoretical and comparative analysis of various constructs of motivation, philosophies, and educational theories. Holistic Experience of Motivation (HEM) is measured in adolescents (age 14-15, total 50) after the intervention program (IP) in physical education that shows positive effects on intrinsic motivation, self-determination, achievement of goals, flow, thriving, and mindfulness. In the preliminary validation of the instrument, reliability and validity were measured using descriptive and principal component factor analysis for the case 1:5 with the Monte Carlo method. In the final instrument of 10 variables, three preliminary factors emerged: purpose, focus and example/role-model, but with the application of the Monte Carlo method only one factor emerged. The preliminary results show that the basis of the HEM can be the factor of “purpose”. The purpose or meaning may be a common need that is presented through different constructs of motivation in positive psychology. Different philosophical paradigms and constructs of motivation are shown to be connected. It is shown that the purpose or meaning in question is of spiritual/religious nature and that it is manifested through satisfying the basic psychological needs of self-determination and through the realization of motivational sparks that are markers of deep personal interests. The results show that the HEMS requires an upgrade with an additional validation on a larger sample and its correlation with other constructs in positive psychology. Also, they confirm that relationships have a significant role in motivation and recognition of personal purpose. The study presents the IP that can be used for making an environment for a holistic experience of motivation, which can also be applied in programs that aim toward the development of leadership and moral and ethical values in youth. Key words: flow; intrinsic motivation; mindfulness; positive youth development; sparks. --- Cilj je ovoga istraživanja ispitati pouzdanost i valjanost Skale cjelovito iskustvo motivacije (CIM) (eng. Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale) koja je korištena za istraživanje osnove cjelovitoga iskustva motivacije kod adolescenata. Analizom dosadašnjih istraživanja, teorija i praksi pozitivne psihologije pretpostavljeno je da je potreba za svrhom, tj. prepoznavanje osobne svrhe zajednička potreba koja je manifestirana različito u različitim konstruktima motivacije. Skala CIM dizajnirana je teorijsko-komparativnom metodom istraživanja konstrukata motivacije, filozofija i teorija edukacije. Cjelovito iskustvo motivacije (CIM) mjereno je kod adolescenata uzrasne dobi 14 – 15 god. (ukupno 50) nakon primjene interventnoga programa (IP) u nastavi tjelesne i zdravstvene kulture koji je pokazao pozitivan utjecaj na intrinzičnu motivaciju, samoodređenje, postignuće ciljeva, zanesenost, pregnuće (thriving) i stalnu svijest (mindfulness). Za preliminarnu validaciju instrumenta pouzdanost i valjanost mjerena je deskriptivnom i faktorskom analizom glavnih komponenata za slučaj 1:5 s Monte Karlo metodom (MKM). U konačnom instrumentu od 10 varijabli izdvojila su se tri faktora: svrhovitost, usredotočenost, primjer/uzor, ali primjenom MKM istaknuo se jedan faktor. Preliminarni rezultati pokazuju da bi osnova CIM mogla biti svrhovitost (purpose). Svrha – smisao mogla bi biti zajednička potreba predstavljena različitim konstruktima motivacije u pozitivnoj psihologiji. Povezane su različite filozofske paradigme i konstrukti motivacije. Pokazano je da je doživljaj svrhe – smisla duhovne/religiozne prirode i da se manifestira kroz zadovoljenje psiholoških potreba samoodređenja i kroz realizaciju iskri (sparks) kao oznake dubokih interesiranja pojedinca. Rezultati pokazuju da Skala CIM treba nadgradnju, dodatnu validaciju na većem broju ispitanika i utvrđivanje kvantitativne povezanosti s drugim konstruktima unutar pozitivne psihologije. Također, oni potvrđuju da međuodnosi imaju vrlo značajnu ulogu u motivaciji, prepoznavanju osobne svrhe. Istraživanje nudi IP koji se može upotrijebiti za stvaranje okoline za cjelovito iskustvo motivacije te se isti može primijeniti u programima koji imaju za cilj razvoj liderstva, moralnih i etičkih vrijednosti kod mladih. Ključne riječi: intrinzična motivacija; iskre; ; pozitivan razvoj mladih; stalna svjesnost; zanesenost.

The aim of this study was to determine the relation between physical activity and functional capacity at the primary school pupils. Many people are not aware that the health of the most important in human life and associated with the movement. In recent decades, the number of obese people, children and adolescents is is significantly increasing. The modern life style of children and young people are increasingly missing movement and outdoor games, is prevalent sedentary lifestyle (TV, Internet, Play Station ..) adverse effects the development of abilities and skills of children and their health status. The study included 80 students of the third grade of primary school, of which 43 boys (mean age 9.30 ± 0.46 years) and 37 girls (mean age 9.29 ± 0.47 years). The students attended two elementary schools in the city of Petrinja., First Primary School and Elementary School Dragutin Tadijanović. The survey was conducted in the school year 2014/2015. The sample of variables consisted of anthropometric measures of body height, weight, skin fold of the upper arm, back skinfold, abdominal skinfold. The functional abilities were measured test run for 3 minutes - F3, which is used to assess the level of functional ability in primary education in the Republic of Croatia. The level of physical activity was estimated PAQ-C questionnaire. From the results it is evident that of the total sample 60% of them have a normal percentage of body fat, while almost 40% of students with excessive fat in the body. The conclusion of this study indicates a high percentage of students who are overweight. Functional capacity was inversely associated with indicators of obesity, which means that students with high levels of functional capacity have a lower percentage of body fat. School age is the best time to stimulate and positive impact on the growth and development of children and the missed possibilities to that age cannot be recovered in later stages of life. Keywords: aerobic capacity, functional ability, obesity, students, school