Assessment of Physical Coordination and Speed Development in Girls during Puberty

Speed and balance are interconnected and crucial in a child's daily activities. While both develop over time, balance improves steadily with age, whereas speed increases at a slower rate. This study assessed the static balance and sprint ability of school-going girls to examine age-related changes in these attributes. Hundred girls (N=100) aged 8–12 from rural Jashore, Bangladesh, participated, with 20 girls (n=20) in each age group. Static balance was evaluated by having participants place their hands on their hips and their non-supporting foot against the inner knee, with timing starting at heel lift and stopping upon form break. Sprint speed was assessed at 10m and 50m distances. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, LSD post hoc tests, and correlation analysis were conducted, with significance set at p