RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS AMONG SELECTED GROUP OF PEOPLE

This study investigated the relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical fitness levels, and health monitoring variables among 595 respondents from ten selected barangays in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Utilizing a quantitative correlational research design, data were collected through standardized FMS assessments (adapted from the TGMD-2), physical fitness tests (measuring cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance), and socio-demographic questionnaires. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (55.0%) and belonged to the adolescent age group (40.7%). While most respondents demonstrated "moderately functional" movement skills (mean score of 17.52), over half (51.38%) were classified with a "good" overall physical fitness level. Significant differences in physical fitness were observed across occupational groups, with construction workers obtaining the highest mean FMS score (M = 19.08, SD = 0.89), followed by drivers (M = 18.12, SD = 1.83), miners (M = 17.89, SD = 1.72), and farmers (M = 17.41, SD = 1.65), while respondents with no occupation recorded the lowest mean score (M = 17.34, SD = 1.82). Correlation analysis further demonstrated a positive relationship between physical fitness and FMS performance, as respondents with higher fitness levels showed better movement competence, reflected in the overall mean FMS score of 17.52 (SD = 1.78). Physiological monitoring also revealed significant cardiovascular responses to activity, with heart rate significantly increasing from 93.74 bpm before activity to 118.96 bpm after activity (t = 18.67, p = 0.000), while oxygen saturation remained stable with no significant difference before and after activity (t = 0.84, p = 0.401). These findings emphasize the important role of physical fitness in improving motor performance, cardiovascular efficiency, and physiological recovery across different age and occupational groups.