Assessment and Analysis of Physical Fitness Among Freshmen in Nanchang University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the general state and characteristics of physical fitness in undergraduates and to improve their physical health through effective measures. Methods: 6691 first-year students (3373 males and 3318 females) in Nanchang University participated in this study. Anthropometric measures and physical fitness tests were performed and assessed in accordance with the National student physical health standard revised in 2014 applied in China. The associations of physical fitness with BMI were examined by partial correlation. Results: More male students than female students were overweight and obese (12.27% vs 5.6%), (3.97% vs 1.51%). 17.37% of the participants failed the physical fitness assessment and female students performed significantly better than male students. Vital capacity, 1000m/800m run and pull-up/sit-up were found relatively poorer, in which the pull-up in male students (mean score was only 15.40) is the most alarming. The results of all physical fitness tests, except for vital capacity and sit-and-reach, were significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study shows the fact that freshmen in Nanchang University performed worse in muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness. Being overweight and obese may negatively affect physical fitness of college students. Scientific and specific physical training and education programs must be laid down to promote the development of physical fitness of undergraduates.