The Effect of Physical Maturity Levels and Chronological Age on the Motor Abilities of 7 to 12 Year Old Students

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical maturity and chronological age on the motor abilities of students aged 7-12 years. 600 students aged 7-12 years were selected in three age categories. To determine the state of physical maturity, the estimation of the percentage of adult height obtained at a certain age was used. Finally, the motor ability test was used to assess motor ability. The results of the present study showed that the effect of chronological age was significant for the variable of motor abilities in girls and boys studied. Also, the effect of maturity level was significant for the variable of motor abilities. Comparison of means showed that students born at normal maturity levels have higher mean motor ability than students born at early and late maturity levels. According to the results of the present study, the level of maturity has a significant effect on the performance of motor skills. Finally, the results of this study are limited to the current population and limited to the age range of 7-12 years in Tehran and do not represent all age groups.