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Submitted
December 30, 2025
Accepted
March 8, 2026
Published
March 16, 2026
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Abstract

This study aimed to compare the physical fitness levels of elementary school students living in urban and rural areas of Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The study employed a quantitative comparative cross-sectional design involving 60 elementary school students aged 10–12 years, consisting of 30 students from urban schools in Singaraja City and 30 students from rural schools located in peripheral districts of Buleleng Regency. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on age, health status, and school location. Physical fitness was measured using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test from the FITNESSGRAM assessment, and the results were converted into estimated VO₂max values. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test with a significance level of p < .05. The results revealed significant differences in physical fitness between the two groups. Rural students achieved higher PACER scores (34.27 ± 6.18 laps) compared to urban students (27.64 ± 5.92 laps). Similarly, estimated VO₂max values were higher among rural students (47.12 ± 3.84 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) than urban students (43.06 ± 3.51 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Inferential analysis confirmed that these differences were statistically significant (p < .001) with a moderate to large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.78). In conclusion, elementary school students living in rural areas of Buleleng Regency demonstrate significantly higher levels of physical fitness compared to their urban counterparts. These findings highlight the influence of environmental factors on children’s cardiorespiratory fitness and emphasize the importance of strengthening physical education and school-based physical activity programs, particularly in urban environments.

Keywords

Physical fitness Elementary school students Urban and rural areas PACER test Buleleng Regency

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How to Cite
Multiyana, leo. (2026). Comparison of Physical Fitness Levels of Elementary School Students in Urban and Rural Areas of Buleleng Regency . Kinestetik : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Jasmani, 10(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.33369/jk.v10i1.47399
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