Differences in Some Anthropological Characteristics between Croatian and Lithuanian Students and Comparison with Eurofit Standards

The aim of this study was to determine differences in some anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of students at the Faculty of Teacher Education and students of the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education. The results were compared using the Euro-fit standards. The sample consisted of 148 students of the Faculty of Teacher Education and 206 students of the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education from Kaunas. The age of students of both faculties ranged between 19-22 years. The sample of variables consisted of three measures used to assess the anthropometric characteristics, and five tests for the assessment of motor skills. Descriptive statistics were calculated based on the collected data, while ANOVA was used for the purpose of determining the difference in measured variables between two student groups. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that there were no statistically significant differences in measured anthropometric characteristics, but statistically significant differences in favour of the Lithuanian students were obtained for balance and repetitive speed in favour of the students of Faculty of Teacher Education. However, in light of the Euro-fit standards, it can be concluded that the results for both groups of students fall into the category of below average results in all tests. It is however important to emphasize that the results of this study show that both Croatian and Lithuanian students are in the category of normal values of body mass index.