Armend Kastrati; Nazrije Gashi; Seryozha Gontarev & Georgi Georgiev

The aim of this study was to determine the association between adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and different components of physical fitness in children aged 9 to 11 years in the Republic of North Macedonia. The study included 414 respondents, whose fitness components were assessed through a standardized battery of tests (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, agility and speed), and data on physical activity, screen time and sleep duration were collected through a standardized questionnaire. The analysis was performed using linear regression controlling the age, sex and BMI. The results showed that only 8.45 % of respondents met all three recommendations. Adherence to the recommendations for moderate to vigorous physical activity was the most consistent predictor of better results in all components of physical fitness. Combined adherence to all three guidelines was associated with better values of cardiorespiratory endurance, motor fitness and general physical fitness, suggesting a possible synergistic effect. Screen time and sleep duration had limited, selective effects. The research highlights the benefits of an integrated approach that includes all aspects of 24-hour movement to promote physical health in children. At the same time, it identifies the need for interventions and future longitudinal studies with objective measures aiming further understanding of these relationships.

KEY WORDS: Physical fitness; Children; Physical activity; Sleep; Screen time; 24-hour movement guidelines.

KASTRATI, A.; GASHI, N.; GONTAREV, S. & GEORGIEV, G. The 24-Hour movement guidelines adherence and its effect on physical fitness in children from the Republic of North Macedonia. Int. J. Morphol., 44(4):1114-1121, 2026.