Physical Fitness Traits Research Articles

The Effect of the Practical Strategy on the Acquisition of Some Physical Attributes

The study aimed to identify the effect of practical strategy on the acquisition of some physical attributes with the students of the faculty of physical education at Yarmouk University. The experimental curriculum was used. The sample consisted of 30 students of the faculty of Physical Education who were randomly chosen at Yarmouk University during the first semester of the university academic year 2021/2022. They were distributed over two equal groups after applying the tests on the elements of the method (flexibility test, agility test, arm flexion test, medical ball throws test, stability jump test, and 30-meter running test). Then the sample was redistributed into an experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15). To ensure the parity of the groups in the pre-measurement of the physical fitness elements in the physical education class, the researchers used the statistical significance of the SPSS program and carried out the required statistical processing after collecting the data: Means (M's), Standard deviations (SD's) of the pre-measurement, Independent sample T-Test to the age variable, and the pre-tests. The results showed an effect of the practical strategy on improving the physical fitness traits, and statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group. The researchers recommended applying the practical strategy during the teaching of physical education.

Evaluation of some physical fitness characteristics in 11-13 years old

Many studies indicate that a physical fitness characteristic is an important marker for healthy body and healthy mind. The major purpose of this study is to explore the levels of physical fitness of the students between 11 and 13 years of age. The participants of this study are 251 volunteer students including 95 boys and 156 girls between the ages 11 and 13 who participated at physical education lessons two times a week. The students were assessed for six anthropometric characteristics and five physical tests. Mean, standard deviation, and multiple comparisons were used for statistical analyses to find out differences between sexes with ANOVA, and Bonferoni Tests for differences between ages. Anthropometric measurements were reported as body mass index, height, weight, arm span, waist and hip and physical fitness traits such as agility, balance and strength. The findings suggest some differences between female and male students and between ages; male participants obtained higher results as means compared to female participants.
 
 Keywords: anthropometrics, agility, balances, strength, students

Analysis of body composition and physical fitness traits in children using bicycle

Analysis of body composition and physical fitness traits in children using bicycle. A total of 113 boys aged 12-14 years participated in the study voluntarily with 38 male bicycle athletes, 29 basketball athletes, and 46 non-athletes. Participants who were close answers to each other according to the answers given after asking the participants the number of training times, daily training time and sports experiences were included in the study. According to the normality test results of the groups, one-way ANOVA, one of the parametric tests, and correlation analyses were used to determine the relationships between the parameters. In the study, a statistically significant difference was found in the parameters of flexibility, vertical jump, 30 m speed, agility, coordination, body fat ratio according to the groups (p <0.05). Considering the differences between cycling athletes, basketball athletes and non-athletes in the age group of 12-14, there were significant differences in parameters such as flexibility, body fat ratio and agility in favor of cycling athletes. In addition, according to this study, basketball sport provides positive benefits in terms of speed coordination development and anaerobic power. ​Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. Özet Bu araştırmanın amacı; bisiklet kullanan çocuklarda vücut kompozisyonu ve fiziksel uygunluk özelliklerinin analizidir. Araştırmaya 38 erkek bisiklet sporcusu, 29 basketbol sporcusu ve 46 spor yapmayan 12-14 yaş arası toplamda 113 erkek çocuk gönüllü olarak katıldı. Katılımcıların haftalık antrenman sayısı, günlük antrenman süresi ve spor geçmişleri tespit edilerek, verilen cevaplara göre birbirine yakın olan katılımcılar çalışmaya dahil edildi. Yapılan ölçümler arasında; vücut komposiyonu ve fiziksel uygunluk ile ilişkili testler yer almaktaydı. Grupların normallik testi sonuçlarına göre parametrik testlerden One Way ANOVA ve parametreler arasındaki ilişkilerin belirlenmesi için korelasyon analizleri kullanıldı. Çalışmada gruplara göre esneklik, dikey sıçrama, 30 m sürat, çeviklik, koordinasyon ve vücut yağ oranı parametrelerinde istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı bir farklılık tespit edilmiştir (p<0.05). 12-14 yaşlarındaki bisiklet sporcuları, basketbol sporcuları ve spor yapmayan grup arasında oluşan bu farklar göz önüne alındığında bisiklet sporcuları lehinde esneklik, vücut yağ oranı ve çeviklik gibi parametrelerde anlamlı farklılıklar görülmüştür. Ayrıca bu çalışmaya göre basketbol sporunun 12-14 yaş grubu çocuklarıda sürat, koordinasyon ve anaerobik güç değişkenlerini olumlu yönde etkilediği söylenebilir.

Effects of Maturation on Physical Fitness Adaptations to Plyometric Drop Jump Training in Male Youth Soccer Players.

Vera-Assaoka, T, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, Garcia-Pinillos, F, Moran, J, Gentil, P, and Behm, D. Effects of maturation on physical fitness adaptations to plyometric drop jump training in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2760-2768, 2020-The objective of this study was to compare the effects of maturation on physical fitness adaptations to a twice weekly, 7-week plyometric drop jump training program. Seventy-six young male soccer players (aged 10-16 years) participated in this randomized controlled trial. Before and after the intervention, a physical fitness test battery was applied (countermovement jump; drop jump from 20 to 40 cm; 5 multiple bounds test; 20-m sprint time; change of direction speed; 2.4-km running time-trial; 5 repetition maximum [RM] squat; and maximal kicking distance). Participants were randomly divided into an active soccer-control group (CG) with Tanner stage maturation of 1-3 (CG-early; n = 16) or Tanner stage 4-5 (CG-late; n = 22), and to plyometric drop jump training groups with Tanner stage 1-3 (plyometric jump training [PJT]-early; n = 16) or 4-5 (PJT-late; n = 22). The analysis of variance and effect size (ES) measures revealed that when compared with their age-matched controls, the PJT-early (ES = 0.39-1.58) and PJT-late (ES = 0.21-0.65) groups showed greater improvements (p < 0.05) in sprint time, 2.4-km running time-trial, change of direction speed, 5RM squat, jumping, and kicking distance. The PJT-early exceeded the PJT-late group with greater (p < 0.05) improvements in drop jump from 20 cm (ES = 1.58 vs. 0.51) and 40 cm (ES = 0.71 vs. 0.4) and kicking distance (ES = 0.95 vs. 0.65). Therefore, a 7-week plyometric drop jump training program was effective in improving physical fitness traits in both younger and older male youth soccer players, with greater jumping and kicking adaptations in the less-mature athletes.

Ethiopian traditional dance alter the health-related physical fitness traits of high school students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tigray regional state traditional dances on health-related physical fitness traits among high school students in Ethiopia. To achieve the purpose of this study, 100 high school students were selected randomly. And their age was 15.5±1.1 years. The selected participants were categorized into the experimental group consists of four Traditional dances that were Awris, Hura, Kuda, and Shediva and the control group with twenty subjects in each. The experimental group performed traditional dances for 16 weeks three days per week whereas participants in the control group were informed to follow their usual daily activity. All participants were tested on selected criterion measures on muscular strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and body composition before and after the 16 weeks of the training period. The data about the variables in this study were statistically examined using ANOVA for each variable separately, whenever the ‘F’ ratio of adjusted post-test was found to be significant, the Scheffe’s test was used to determine the paired mean differences. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05. Following the 16-weeks traditional dance training, a significant change was observed on muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance, but there was no significant improvement in body composition as compares to the experimental groups with the control group. Therefore it can be concluded that Tigray traditional dance training program can notably improve physical fitness level of high school students.

Genetics of somatotype and physical fitness in children and adolescents.

To analyze the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the variation in somatotype, physical fitness, and their mutual associations. Twins from 214 pairs (87 monozygotic) of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal, from 3 to 18 years of age (51% girls) were assessed in anthropometry and physical fitness tests. We estimated endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy based on anthropometric measures and physical fitness using the Eurofit test battery. Two age categories were analyzed: children (3-11 years) and adolescents (12-18 years). Genetic and environmental variations were estimated using quantitative genetic twin modeling. No genetic sex differences were found, thus boys and girls were pooled in all genetic analyses. Heritability estimates were high for somatotype (a2 =0.80-0.93), physical fitness traits (a2 =0.67-0.83), and largely similar in children and adolescents. Positive correlations were found for ectomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with muscular strength (r=0.25-0.37). In contrast, negative associations were found for ectomorphy with muscular strength, as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance (-0.46 to -0.26). Twin modeling indicated that these associations were explained mostly by genetic factors in common to the two associated traits (84% or more). Associations between somatotype and physical fitness tests are mainly explained by common genetic background in children and adolescents. Therefore, interventions in youth should consider that a child's performance in physical fitness tests partly reflects their inherited physique.

A multifactorial comparison of Australian youth soccer players’ performance characteristics

The current study aimed to investigate the performance characteristics that discriminate Australian youth soccer players according to their academy status. A total of 165 youth soccer players participated in this study and were sub-divided into either an early adolescence ( n = 92, age = 13.0 ± 0.6 years) or mid-adolescence ( n = 73 age = 14.8 ± 0.6 years) group. Players completed multifactorial assessments of anthropometry, motor competence, physical fitness, decision-making and psychological traits. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Multivariate analysis of variance identified dynamic balancing ability (both age groups), object manipulation (mid-adolescence), lateral jumping ability (both age groups), linear speed over 5 m (both age groups), change of direction skill (mid-adolescence), intermittent aerobic endurance (mid-adolescence) and total response time on a decision-making assessment (early adolescence) to discriminate academy status. Interestingly, a binomial logistical regression showed that a 0.1 s decrease in sprint time (i.e. running faster) increased the odds of a player belonging to a tier one academy by 19% and 47% for early and mid-adolescent players, respectively. Overall, performance in the motor competence and physical fitness assessments were in favour of the tier one academy players. These findings are indicative of a potential selection bias in the Australian talent pool or a training effect whereby tier one academy programmes emphasise the development of physical attributes. However, future research is required to further substantiate this in a larger sample of youth soccer players from other playing regions within Australia.

Physical fitness and physical self-concept of male and female young adults in Qatar.

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is high within the Qatari population, particularly within females, and school-based environments, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. School-based physical activity (PA) outcomes may be mediated by physical self-concept. Low physical self-concept may negatively impact PA engagement, compromising childhood and adolescent physical fitness, which may translate into adulthood. Normative physical fitness data for the Qatari population is unavailable. Stratifying normative physical fitness appears prudent, to not only allow comparisons to be made worldwide, but enable informed decisions for public health policy and future interventions in the Qatari population.PurposeTo establish the physical fitness of young adults in Qatar, and examine differences between males and females for physical self-concept, and engagement in school-based and extra-curricular PA.Method186 (females n = 85) healthy participants [median (minimum—maximum) age: males = 21 (18–26), females = 21 (18–24) y; height: males = 1.74 (1.57–1.99), females = 1.61 (1.46–1.76) m; body mass: males = 71.9 (49.3–145.0), females = 56.8 (35.7–96.4) kg] completed the ALPHA-FIT test battery for adults (one leg stand, figure of eight run, handgrip strength, jump and reach, modified push-up, dynamic sit-up and 2 km walk), physical self-description questionnaire (measuring physical self-concept), and were asked to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to whether they participated in school-based and extra-curricular PA.ResultsData is reported as effect size; ±90% confidence limit. Males compared to females most likely performed better for dynamic sit-up (2.2; ±0.76), very likely better for the figure of eight run (0.86; ±0.42) and likely better for handgrip strength (2.1; ±0.75). Males likely had higher physical self-concept for coordination (0.78; ±0.37) and endurance (0.66; ±0.27) compared to females. There were no differences for school-based PA (p ≥ 0.78) or for extra-curricular PA for males (p ≥ 0.26) or females (p ≥ 0.21).ConclusionThe data suggests that the young Qatari adult population has variable, yet generally low, physical fitness traits compared to individuals worldwide, likely due to their low PA. The precise aetiology for this is not well documented, yet such data may be prudent to evidence-inform strategies to improve physical fitness through increased PA (synergistic relationship), given the strong association between physical activity/fitness and morbidity/mortality.

Retraction Note: Correlation Between Anthropometric, Physical Fitness Traits, Lung Capacity, and Success of Iranian Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers

Retraction Note: Correlation Between Anthropometric, Physical Fitness Traits, Lung Capacity, and Success of Iranian Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers

Comparison of the physical fitness traits of Azerbaijan and Iran senior Greco-Roman national wrestling teams

Purpose: The aim of the present investigation was to compare of the physical fitness traits of Azerbaijan and Iran senior Greco-Roman national wrestling teams. Material: In this study, 10 elite wrestlers (age 27.7±3.5 years and training background 8.5±2 years) of the senior national wrestling team of Azerbaijan were measured in body composition attributes, muscular strength, muscular endurance, maximal oxygen consumption, flexibility, agility, speed, anaerobic power and explosive power and the results were compared to the national Greco-Roman wrestling team of Iran. Results: The results of this study, using t-test, showed that the mean of squats (P=0.013) and 40-yd sprint (P=0.004) in wrestlers of Azerbaijan’s team were significantly better than Iran’s average norm. However, the values of sit-ups (P=0.030), pull-ups (P=0.000) and 4×9-m shuttle run (P=0.024) the mean were significantly lower in the wrestlers of Azerbaijan compared to the norm of Iranian wrestlers. Conclusions: The results of the physical fitness tests determine the strengths and weaknesses of the training programs and provide practical guidance to coaches in order to assess the extent of wrestlers likely progress or slump.

Effect of Awris Traditional Dances on Health-Related Physical Fitness Traits among High School Students in Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Awris traditional dance Tigray regional state on health related physical fitness traits among high school students. To achieve the purpose of this study, 40 high school students were selected randomly. And their age ranged between 15 and 17 years. The selected participants were categorized into experimental and control group with twenty (n=20) subjects in each. The experimental group performed traditional dances for a period of 16 weeks three days per week whereas participants in the control group were informed to follow their usual daily activity. All participants were tested on selected criterion measures on muscular strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and body composition prior to and after the 16 weeks of the training period. The data pertaining to the variables in this study were statistically examined by using SPSS statistical software version 25. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were found in order to get the basic idea of the data distribution. Independent t- test was employed for finding whether there was any statistically significant pre-test to post-test mean differences in their respective variables of each group. Level of significant was set at 0.05. Following the 16-weeks traditional dance training, significant change was observed on muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance, but there was no significant improvement in flexibility and body composition as compare the experimental groups with the control group. Therefore it can be concluded that Awris traditional dance training program can notably improve muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance of high school students.

Correlation Between Anthropometric, Physical Fitness Traits, Lung Capacity, and Success of Iranian Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how lung capacity and anthropometric and physical fitness traits are associated with success of Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers. Methods: Twenty-five male Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (22 ± 4 years old) (both of light and heavy weights) participated in the present study. Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness traits, and lung capacity were tested in the exercise physiology laboratory. Results: Our results showed a significant and positive correlation between arm span, as the only anthropometric trait, and success of Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers. Also, maximal oxygen consumption, dead lift, squat, bench press, agility, shoulder and wrist elevation, sit and reach, eye/left hand reaction time, eye/foot reaction time, ear/left hand reaction time, ear/foot reaction time were positively correlated with success. Furthermore, there were significant and positive correlations between inspiratory reserve volume, tidal volume, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume (in one second), maximal voluntary ventilation, and success. In contrast, we observed a negative and significant correlation between body fat (%) and success of Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers. Conclusions: Physical fitness traits and lung capacity have a greater potential than anthropometric characteristics in the prediction of Greco-Roman wrestler’s success in championship levels.

Correlation between Anthropometric, Physical Fitness Traits and Lung Capacities with Success of Iranian Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers

The aim of present study was to evaluate the relation of anthropometric, physical fitness traits and lung capacities with success of Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers. Twenty five Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (22 ± 4 years old) (both of light and heavy weights) participated in present study. Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness traits and lung capacities were tested in the exercise physiology laboratory. Our results showed a significant and positive correlation between arm spam, as only anthropometric trait, and success of Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers. Also, maximal oxygen consumption, dead lift, squat, bench press, agility, shoulder and-wrist elevation, sit and reach, reaction time-eye/left hand, reaction time-eye/foot, reaction time-ear/left hand, reaction time-ear/foot have positive correlation with their success. Furthermore, there were a significant and positive correlations between inspiratory reserve volume, tidal volume, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume (second), maximal voluntary ventilation and success. In contrast, we observed a negative and significant correlation between body fat (%) and success of Iranian elite Greco-Roman wrestlers. Physical fitness traits and lung capacities have greater potential than anthropometric characteristics in the prediction of Greco-Roman wrestler's success in championship levels.

The role of childhood physical fitness on physical activity in mid-adulthood: A longitudinal study

Introduction The development of various physical fitness (PF) traits such as strength, flexibility, aerobic power and body composition during childhood are thought to influence lifetime physical activity. This paper investigates the role of adolescent PF on mid-adulthood physical activity (PA) in a group of children followed from 7 to 40 years of age. Methods Participants were drawn from the Saskatchewan Growth and Development Study (SGDS); 207 boys, aged 7 years at study entry and 149 girls age 7 to 15 years at study entry were assessed annually from 1963 to 1973. In mid-adulthood (40 years of age), 110 individuals (67 males and 43 females) had assessments of PA. Participants were grouped by their adolescent PF (low, average, high), based on mean PF z -scores obtained from measures during childhood. The composite PF score was calculated from five equally weighted age categorized component z -scores: aerobic power, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility/fitness performance and body composition. In mid-adulthood PA was assessed using a questionnaire developed from the Paffenbarger Physical Activity and the Seven-Day Physical Activity questionnaires. An adult PA z -score was calculated. Adult PA scores were compared across adolescent PF groups (Anova) ( α = 0.05). Results There were no significant differences in adult PA z -scores between childhood PF groups (–0.02 ± 1.5, –0.2 ± 1.2 and 0.2 ± 1.1 for low, average and high PF groups respectively). The correlation between childhood PF z -scores and adult PA z -scores was r = 0.01, P > 0.05. Conclusion Although it has been postulated that PF in childhood may influence PA in middle age, this is not supported by the present data set. Although, it is possible that the sample was too homogeneous both in childhood and middle age, an alternative conclusion is that PA is related to cumulative physical fitness throughout life and not just during childhood.

Differences in Some Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Measures Between Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness and anthropometric measures between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers. Thirty three Iranian elite wrestlers (Freestyle, age: 24.54±3.43 years, N=13) and (Greco-Roman, age: 23.05±1.95 years, N=20) who were invited to the training camps participated in this study. The anthropometric traits included height, sitting height, arm-span, and the physical fitness traits included flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscular endurance (pull-ups and bent-knee sit-ups), agility (4×9 m shuttle run), speed (40-yd sprint), and bilateral visual reaction time. Statistical comparison of the freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers groups was carried out using independent samples t test (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that in speed, reaction time, flexibility and pull-ups tests, Greco-Roman wrestlers were better than freestyle wrestlers, and in agility and bent-knee sit-ups tests the freestyle wrestlers were better than Greco-Roman wrestler...

Anthropometric and physical fitness traits of four-time World Greco-Roman wrestling champion in relation to national norms: A case study

The purpose of the present investigation was to describe the anthropometric and physical fitness traits of a four-time World senior Greco-Roman wrestling champion (age: 24 years, height: 167 cm, weight: 61 kg) in relation to national norms. The anthropometric traits included body weight, height, sitting height, arm-span, and the physical fitness traits included flexibility (sit-and-reach, trunk-and-neck extension and shoulder-and-wrist elevation tests), maximal oxygen uptake (Gas analysis method), muscular endurance (pull-ups and bent-knee sit-ups), muscular strength (bench press, squat), agility (4×9 m shuttle run), speed (40-yd sprint), bilateral visual reaction time and body composition. The major results are as follows: body fat (%): 8.4; body weight (kg): 61; height (cm): 167; sitting height (cm): 89; arm-span (cm): 174; sit-and-reach (cm): 45; trunk-and-neck extension (cm/cm): 0.64; shoulder-and-wrist elevation (cm/cm): 0.54; maximal oxygen uptake (ml·kg-1·min-1): 56; pull-ups (reps): 50; bent-knee sit-ups (reps/min): 77; agility (s): 7.6; speed (s): 4.57; bilateral visual reaction time (ms): 229; 1RM weight lifted in the bench press relative to body weight (kg·kg-1): 1.39 and 1 RM weight lifted in the squat relative to body weight (kg·kg-1): 1.83. The present study indicated that measures of the squat, speed and agility tests of the subject were higher than Iranian national norms for 55 kg senior Greco-Roman style wrestling. The measures of bench press and trunk and shoulder flexibility tests were lower than the national norms. In other tests, no major difference was observed between the results of the subject's tests and national norms.

The human gene map for performance and health-related fitness phenotypes.

The aim of this paper is to describe the first human gene map for physical performance and health-related fitness traits based on the papers published until the end of 2000. Studies of candidate genes using case-control and other designs are reviewed. Quantitative trait loci from the limited evidence reported to date in genomic scans are also incorporated. Performance and fitness phenotypes in the sedentary state as well as their changes during exercise, if applicable, or in response to exercise training are considered. Physical performance traits include cardiorespiratory endurance indicators and muscular strength or muscular performance variables. Health-related fitness phenotypes are grouped under the following categories: hemodynamic traits; anthropometry and body composition; insulin and glucose metabolism; and lipids, lipoproteins, and hemostatic factors. A yearly update of this human gene map will be published.

Exercise-induced catecholamines and platelet aggregation in the coronary-prone behavior pattern.

Catecholamines and platelet aggregation were studied in relation to physical fitness and psychologic traits of 48 young men at rest and after exercise challenge. Test scores were significantly associated with variables derived from the in vitro reactivity of blood platelets. Men characterized by high time urgency, impatience, haste and irritability had higher platelet counts in their whole blood. They also had less of a decrease in percent of platelet aggregation in response to noradrenalin after exercise, a shorter duration of platelet aggregation time in response to ADP and a greater likelihood of irreversible second slope aggregation than the less hurried, more calm men. Men scoring high on the Type A or coronary-prone behavior scale also failed to show a decrease in percent of platelet aggregation in response to noradrenalin after the challenge of exercise, and, in addition, the duration of the aggregation to ADP was much shorter in Type As at rest and relatively unaffected by exercise. In general, Type A men were distinguishable from Type Bs, not so much by their resting values, but by their differential physiologic mobilization to the challenge of exercise. The primary focus of this study was to consider changes in plasma catecholamines and the reactive properties of blood platelets in terms of the psychologic and behavioral characteristics of the people from whom the plasma and platelets were drawn. The possible clinical implications remain to be determined.