Physical fitness, body mass index, and physical activity among senior secondary students: A cross-sectional study in an Indonesian Islamic secondary school

Authors

• Ilona Pratiwi Hutabarat, Universitas Pamulang, IndonesiaFollow
• Acep Rohmat Nurhidayat, Universitas Pamulang, IndonesiaFollow
• Aprizal Fikri, Universitas Bina Darma, IndonesiaFollow
• Teguh Andi Prabowo, Universitas Pembangunan Tunas Surakarta, IndonesiaFollow
• I Bagus Endrawan, Universitas Bina Darma, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

Background: Physical fitness is a fundamental component of adolescent health and contributes to academic performance, mental well-being, and lifelong health outcomes. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in sedentary behavior, evidence on the fitness profiles of Indonesian senior secondary students—particularly in Islamic secondary schools (Madrasah Aliyah)—remains scarce. Objective: To assess the physical fitness level of Madrasah Aliyah students and to examine its association with body mass index (BMI) and self-reported physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 35 students (18 male, 17 female; aged 15–19 years) at MA Raudlatul Irfan, South Tangerang, using purposive sampling. Physical fitness was measured using the Indonesian Physical Fitness Test (TKJI) for ages 16–19, comprising five items (60-m sprint, pull-up/flexed-arm hang, sit-up, vertical jump, and 1200-m/1000-m run). Habitual physical activity was assessed using the IPAQ Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and BMI was derived from anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test for between-sex comparisons, and Spearman’s rank correlation for associations among variables (α = 0.05). Result: Most students were classified in the low-income (45.7%) or moderate (34.3%) fitness category, with only 5.7% in the very good category. The mean TKJI score was 13.46 (SD = 3.12). Male students achieved significantly higher scores than female students (15.28 vs. 11.53; Mann–Whitney U, p = 0.003). BMI was negatively correlated with fitness (rs = −0.521; p = 0.001), while physical activity was positively correlated with fitness (rs = 0.634; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Physical fitness among Madrasah Aliyah students was predominantly below the national standard, with cardiorespiratory endurance as the weakest component. BMI and physical activity emerged as significant correlates of fitness. Structured physical activity programs, improved sport facilities, and integrated nutrition education are needed. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are recommended to establish causal pathways and to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based fitness programs in Islamic secondary schools.

Recommended Citation

Hutabarat, Ilona Pratiwi; Nurhidayat, Acep Rohmat; Fikri, Aprizal; Prabowo, Teguh Andi; and Endrawan, I Bagus (2026) "Physical fitness, body mass index, and physical activity among senior secondary students: A cross-sectional study in an Indonesian Islamic secondary school," Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health: Vol. 4: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://citeus.um.ac.id/ijrpesh/vol4/iss1/5