An analysis study describing physical fitness level of overweight subjects

Abstract

Aim: This study was planned to compare the physical fitness level of overweight and normal subjects. Methods: 50 subjects were divided into two groups: Group I (25 controls; mean age: 29.52 +/- 7.94years) and Group II (25 overweight subjects; mean age: 35.21 +/- 8.31 years). Average of the Body Mass Index (BMI) scores of Group I and II were 21.68 +/- 1.90 kg/m², 28.35 +/- 3.24 kg/m², respectively. The subjects had no any health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart diseases, neurological or musculoskeletal dysfunctions. All subjects were evaluated using the following physical fitness tests; Harward-Step, Push-ups, Sit-ups, Trunk Bending Forward & Backward, and Flamingo Balance. The results obtained from this study were analyzed using SPSS for windows statistical program (version 10.0). Results: The results showed that scores of Group II were significantly less than scores of Group I in terms of cardio-vascular endurance and a parameter of flexibility (trunk extension) (p<0.05). Conclusion: To gain weight is an important risk factor regarding healthy life, especially physical fitness level. These results show that the overweight subjects are at risk concerning cardiovascular diseases due to decreased cardiovascular endurance. Therefore, both overweight subjects and obese subjects should be evaluated using physical fitness tests in order to describe their physical health profile and to able to organize the most suitable preventive medical program to improve quality of life.