Abstract
The article examines physical fitness screening for the initial identification of sport potential among schoolchildren in the El Real community, Ecuador, using José Luis Tamayo School as a case study. It highlights the need for standardized assessments in physical education to recognize outstanding fitness profiles and to guide inclusive sport opportunities. To describe physical fitness screening for the initial identification of sport potential among schoolchildren. Quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive study. A census sample of 300 schoolchildren participated (120 girls and 180 boys). The EUROFIT battery was administered during school hours with a standardized warm-up. Results were standardized (z-scores) by sex and age group, reversing tests where lower values indicate better performance; the global index was the mean of standardized scores and was classified by percentiles (?p33 low, p34–p66 medium, ?p67 high). Frequencies, percentages, means, and SD were reported (SPSS v25). Overall, 56% were classified as medium, 24% as low, and 20% as high. Most students showed physical fitness appropriate for their age. Girls performed better in flexibility and balance, while boys performed better in strength, speed–agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. In the high level, 63.3% were boys and 36.7% were girls. The screening identified, within the school context, a group with high physical performance suitable for sport orientation. Longitudinal follow-up and the inclusion of technical, tactical, psychological, and contextual variables are recommended.
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