Developing and Updating the Physical Fitness Norm for Iranian Population
Oral Presentation
Paper ID : 1926-12THCONG
Authors
1Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan
2Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran
Abstract
The general purpose of this study was to investigate the physical fitness status of 18-60 years old Iranian men and women and update the relevant norms.
The method of this study was descriptive for normative and applied. The statistical population of this research was Iranian male and female aged 18-60 years old. A total of 6961 (3422 women and 3539 men) were selected by cluster and systematic method from 12 provinces of the country and classified into four age groups of 18- 29, 30-39, 49-40, and 60-50 years old, formed the statistical sample of the research. Physical fitness tests, including 1-mile Rockport test, push up, modified sit up, sit and reach flexibility, handgrip strength. Estimation of body fat percentage was done by measuring 3 skinfolds and Jackson and Pollack's equation. For data analysis, descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and percentiles were used. The norm of each physical fitness factor was also determined by age and gender groups based on percentiles.
Results showed mean body mass index (25.5 men and women 25.6 kg/m2), WHR (men 88.8 and women 84.0), body fat percentage (men 20 and women 31.8%), aerobic capacity (men 46.7 and women 36.9 ml/kg/min), flexibility (men 28.8 and women 29.6 cm), shoulder muscle endurance (men 30.3 and women 17.6 times push up), abdominal muscular endurance (men 34.4 and women 25.3 times sit up), muscle strength (men 38.7 and women 25.45 kg). The prevalence of obesity and overweight in men was 52.3% and among women was 52.2%.
In the four age classes, the best values for the age group of 18-29 years old and the worst or weakest values were also in the age group of 60-50 years. Almost, all physical fitness factors decline as age increases. One of the most significant findings of the present study was the prevalence of obesity and risk of obesity among Iranian women and men, with more than half of Iranians suffering from obesity or at the risk of obesity (being overweight). Meanwhile, the provinces of Gilan, Esfahan, Khorasan Razavi and Kermanshah had the highest prevalence.
The method of this study was descriptive for normative and applied. The statistical population of this research was Iranian male and female aged 18-60 years old. A total of 6961 (3422 women and 3539 men) were selected by cluster and systematic method from 12 provinces of the country and classified into four age groups of 18- 29, 30-39, 49-40, and 60-50 years old, formed the statistical sample of the research. Physical fitness tests, including 1-mile Rockport test, push up, modified sit up, sit and reach flexibility, handgrip strength. Estimation of body fat percentage was done by measuring 3 skinfolds and Jackson and Pollack's equation. For data analysis, descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and percentiles were used. The norm of each physical fitness factor was also determined by age and gender groups based on percentiles.
Results showed mean body mass index (25.5 men and women 25.6 kg/m2), WHR (men 88.8 and women 84.0), body fat percentage (men 20 and women 31.8%), aerobic capacity (men 46.7 and women 36.9 ml/kg/min), flexibility (men 28.8 and women 29.6 cm), shoulder muscle endurance (men 30.3 and women 17.6 times push up), abdominal muscular endurance (men 34.4 and women 25.3 times sit up), muscle strength (men 38.7 and women 25.45 kg). The prevalence of obesity and overweight in men was 52.3% and among women was 52.2%.
In the four age classes, the best values for the age group of 18-29 years old and the worst or weakest values were also in the age group of 60-50 years. Almost, all physical fitness factors decline as age increases. One of the most significant findings of the present study was the prevalence of obesity and risk of obesity among Iranian women and men, with more than half of Iranians suffering from obesity or at the risk of obesity (being overweight). Meanwhile, the provinces of Gilan, Esfahan, Khorasan Razavi and Kermanshah had the highest prevalence.
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