The Motor Performance of Children and Adolescents at a German School Abroad in The United Arab Emirates

Background: This paper is an empirical study that analyzed the differences in the motor performance of young people enrolled in recognized German schools abroad. The theoretical construct is based on the conceptual framework of sport motor development in the life span (Willimczik, 2009), as well as from the normative age-based and curriculum vitae access movement (Wollny, 2002).

Methods: This is a quantitative empirical study. In addition to the investigation of anthropogenic data of 144 (72 girls/72 boys) students aged 10 to 17 years (MW=13.2), items from the German motor test (DMT 6-18) were tested in a 2014 field study. The school with an international orientation is located in Abu Dhabi. The investigated students were predominantly German (n=96) and other nationalities (n=48). The diagnosed values ​​were compared to the z-standard values ​​from the DMT 6-18 (see Boes et al., 2009). In addition, an activity questionnaire was administered.

Results: Significant differences were found in sport motor performance results to the disadvantage of the students in endurance and speed abilities. The spectrum is within normal limits in comparison to school children in Germany. Strength and coordination skills were in the upper normal range compared to the same age children.

Discussion: Despite the small sample size, significant differences in the test items are visible. A follow-up study for detecting a longitudinal design confirms the recognized tendencies and was carried out in 2015. Consideration of differences in movement skills in different cultural contexts is essential.