The Effect of Obstacle Race Games on Physical Fitness Levels among Elementary School Students at SDN 1 Pringgasela Selatan in 2025

Abstract

Objectives:This study aimed to determine the effect of obstacle race games on the physical fitness levels of elementary school students at SDN 1 Pringgasela Selatan in 2025.

Materials and Methods: This study used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The participants were 30 students aged 11 years from SDN 1 Pringgasela Selatan. Physical fitness was measured using the Elementary School Children’s Physical Fitness Test, which included Body Mass Index, V Sit Reach, Sit Up, Squat Thrust, and Pacer Test. The intervention consisted of obstacle race games conducted for six weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing through paired sample t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: The results showed that obstacle race games improved several components of students’ physical fitness. Significant improvements were found in flexibility, abdominal muscle strength and endurance, lower-limb muscle endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. These improvements were reflected in the post-test results of V Sit Reach, Sit Up, Squat Thrust, and Pacer Test. However, Body Mass Index did not show a significant change after the intervention.

Conclusions: Obstacle race games had a positive effect on improving most components of physical fitness among elementary school students. This method can be used as an enjoyable, active, and effective learning strategy in physical education to improve students’ functional fitness.