Abstract
Objective: To determine the gender-based frequencies of VO₂ max, motor competence and physical activity levels with the correlation in primary school children.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary schools of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan from October 2024 to February 2025. A total of 377 primary school students (8-11 years) were selected through non-probability convenience sampling technique. We used 20m shuttle run test to assess VO₂ max while motor competence was assessed through Test of Gross Motor Development, second edition. Physical activity was determined by Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (elementary school). Data analysis was done by using SPSS 23.
Results: Out of 377 participants, 189 (50.1%) were females and 188 (49.9%) were males. The mean age of participants was 9.46±1.1 years. The study found a weak, positive, and non-significant correlation between VO2 max and motor competence (R-value =0.05, p=0.32), while it showed a weak, positive, and significant correlation between VO2 max and physical activity (R-value =0.37, p<0.01).
Conclusion: VO₂ max demonstrated a weak yet positive relationship with motor competence, although this correlation was not statistically significant. However, it showed a similarly weak, positive and statistically significant relationship with physical activity.

Key words: Cardiorespiratory fitness, motor competence, Pakistan, physical activity, primary school children.