Physiological and Motor Performance Parameters of Female Athlete and Non-Athlete Students in a Ghana University: A Comparative Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a common health concern, especially in females. Although prominent effects of the participation in sports on females’ physiological and motor outcomes have been widely investigated, comparative evidence among female athlete and non-athlete students in a Ghana University is needed. Objectives: This pilot study compared the physiological and motor performance parameters of female athlete and non-athlete students in a Ghana University. Methods: Thirty-one female students aged 17 to 26 years (21.18 ± 1.79) assigned to the two groups (athletes and non-athletes) participated in this cross-sectional study. The athletes participated in university sports for three years, while non-athletes were monitored for the same period. The evaluated parameters consisted of blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), %body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat, VO2max, muscle endurance, arms’ and shoulders’ power, the power of legs, agility, and speed. Results: Athletes significantly had better VO2max (P = 0.004), the power of arms and shoulders (P = 0.005) and speed (P = 0.014) compared with non-athletes. Differences in heart rate, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), BMI, %body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat, the power of legs, and agility were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between female athletes and non-athletes in physiological and motor performance attributes. It suggests that the participation of these female students in sports did not affect healthy physiological and motor performance outcomes. Training of university female athletes should emphasize health outcomes, while motor performance attributes are prioritized.