Developing Physical Fitness Testing Protocol for Novice Monks

Abstract

The purpose of research was to developing a physical fitness testing protocol and produce norms of physical fitness for Buddhism novices. Samples were recruited from population of 7,574 novices studying in secondary school grade 1 - 6 of Buddhism study schools in 4 Northern provinces of Thailand: ChiangRai, Phayoa, Phrae and Nan. The number of recruited samples was 1,729 novices by using Krejcie and Morgan sampling size table. Sample sampling 13 out of 51 schools was performed. Four aspects of physical fitness testing protocol for Thai children and teenagers between 7 and 18 years old from Physical Education Department, Ministry of Travel and Sport, 2012, were used; together with 1 additional aspect developed by the study team. The additional aspect of testing which was 3 minutes step was qualified in validity and reliability. The mean and standard deviation of all 5 aspects were analyzed for Buddhism novice teenagers aged between 13 - 18 years old. Subsequemtly, the norms of physical fitness for each aspect in different age groups were analyzed using T-Score analysis. Results showed that body mass index, skin fold thick-ness, sit and reach, sit-ups 60 seconds and 3 minutes step could be used for physical fitness testing with significant validity and reliability; and a set of physical fitness protocol was developed for each age group. The testing protocol was disseminated to teachers and Buddhism novices in 59 Buddhism study schools in 4 provinces to use as guideline for physical fitness testing and health promotion in novice monks.