Comparison of health related physical fitness between urban and rural preadolescents in Punjab

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare anthropometric profile and health related physical fitness between urban and rural preadolescents in Punjab. Methodology: 500 girls of age group 12 to 14 years were taken, out of which 250 urban students and 250 rural students were randomly selected from government schools situated in various districts of Punjab. The physical fitness tests were conducted under same conditions for urban and rural students. The tests were included cardio-respiratory endurance, abdominal strength and flexibility. Independent ‘t’ test was used for data analysis. Results: The result of the study shows that rural girls are significantly better on cardiorespiratory endurance and abdominal strength but have lower percentage of fat tissue and a higher percentage of muscle mass compared to their urban peers. Urban girls show better performance on flexibility than rural girls but the difference is insignificant. Conclusion: Children in the rural environment have more spontaneous physical activity on open space and more use of outer terrains than children living in urban areas, and this is probably the reason why they achieve better results, especially in the abilities in which the energy component diminishes.