Comparison of Health Related Fitness Variables between Male and Female Youths in Singapore

Abstract

Physical fitness encompasses health-related fitness (HRF) variables such as cardiovascular fitness (CF), lumbar and lower limb flexibility (LLLF), muscular strength (MS) and body fat percentage (BF%). To date, no large study has been conducted on HRF variables among Singaporean youths. PURPOSE: To compare HRF variables between male and female Singaporean youths. METHODS: One thousand four hundred and fifty-six youths (762 males: age: 13.63 ± 1.35 years, height: 158.36 ± 8.75 cm, weight: 53.82 ± 14.39 kg, BF%: 17.64 ± 10.73 %; and 694 females: age: 13.34 ± 1.21 years, height: 160.73 ± 8.68 cm, weight: 48.82 ± 10.9 kg, BF%: 25.74 ± 7.87 %) from Singapore schools participated in this study. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using standard methods and BF% was measured with a Tanita BC-581 FitPlus Innerscan Scale and Body Composition Monitor. CF, LLLF, and MS were tested using the 15m youth Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (PACER), one-legged sit-and-reach test (SRT), handgrip strength test (HS), and 1-minute sit-up test (SUT) respectively. RESULTS: 76.65% of the youths (males: 77.82%, females: 82.56%) were in the healthy BMI range according to the Health Promotion Board of Singapore. Significant differences were found between males and females for all variables (BF %: Males: 17.64 ± 10.73 %, Females: 25.74 ± 7.87 %, p <0.005; SRT: Males: 52.97 ± 10.04 cm, Females: 55.53 ± 10.03 cm, p <0.005; HS: Males: 28.35 ± 7.98 kg, Females: 20.77 ± 4.11 kg, p <0.005; SUT: Males: 43.26 ± 11.29, Females: 33.24 ± 9.16, p <0.005; PACER: Males: 48.79 ± 24.93 stages, Females: 29.41 ± 12.9 stages, p <0.005). Males were significantly stronger than females, whereas females were significantly more flexible than males. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, youths in Singapore are aerobically fit, with a healthy BF% indicating low obesity rates. If these results of HRF variables are maintained throughout their lifetime, there may be low risk of cardiovascular diseases in Singapore in the future.