The association between Body Physique and Physical Fitness: a cross-sectional study among a tribal community of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, India

Abstract

Body physique and physical fitness are the key determinants of a healthy life. The type of work one performs has immense impact on the physique and fitness of an individual regardless of even socio-economic status. This study aims to understand the association of physical fitness with body physique among a tribal community of India. Data were collected on 200 individuals, both male and female in the age group of 18-40 years using random sampling technique. The males are mesomorph ectomorph (1.6 - 4.0 - 3.5), whereas, females are central (2.8 – 3.6 – 3.5). The physical fitness level of the studied population is excellent. With an increase in physical fitness among Warli males and females, there is an increase in mesomorphy component of somatotype, while the inverse is true for endomorphy and ectomorphy components. From this, it can be inferred that to be physically fit, muscular development is the most important.