The Influence of Circuit Training and Interval Training Techniques on the Physical Well-Being of Elementary School Students Analysed from A Gender Perspective

Abstract

Every student needs physical fitness to gain agility, ability, and high learning ability and achievement. The study investigates the influence of circuit and interval training on the physical fitness of fifth-grade elementary school students, considering gender differences. The research was conducted using a 2x2 factorial design experimental method. A total sample strategy was applied, with 62 participants in total (32 males and 30 females). The physical fitness of 10-12-year-olds was evaluated using the TKJI (Indonesian Physical Fitness Test). The results indicated a notable disparity in the impact of circuit and interval training techniques on physical fitness. Additionally, gender-based differences were observed, suggesting that physical fitness varied between male and female students, with a significance level of Sig. <0.05. The research also explored the interaction between training methods and gender. Results indicated no significant interaction, implying that the effectiveness of circuit and interval training did not depend on gender. However, male and female participants demonstrated better physical fitness when subjected to the circuit training method. To summarise, the study underscores the beneficial influence of circuit training on the physical condition of primary school pupils. It underscores the importance of taking gender into account when implementing fitness interventions.