Body Structural and Physical Fitness Parameters in Female Athletes and Non- Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare some ofanthropometrical, body structural and physical fitnessfactors in athletes and non-athletes female students. Thesample included40 elite athletes (volleyball, N=20, age:21.5±2.6 and futsal, N=20, age: 21.3±1.25) and also 20students as non-athletes (N=20, age: 20.5±1.72). The dataincluding: height, weight, waist and hip circumference, bodyfat percentage, thoracic Kyphosis and lumbar Lordosiscurvatures angles, leg muscle strength, cardiopulmonaryfitness, flexibility and navicular drop index were evaluatedusing by standard methods. Statistical analysis usingANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test were used and the significantlevel set asp≤0.05. The results showed that volleyball playershad lesser body fat percent and more muscle mass than theother two groups. The futsal players indicated lesser Lordosisangle than to other groups. Furthermore, leg muscle power,flexibility and cardio respiratory fitness of futsal players wassignificantly higher than others. In conjunction with BMI,WHR, Kyphosis angle and Navicular Drop Index, there was nosignificant difference among three groups. According to theresults of the present study is the regular exercise such asvolleyball and futsal could improve health-related fitnessfactors. Moreover, elite athletes with showed better bodyposition as lower Kyphosis and Lordosis angles ascompared to non-athletes. Considering the importance ofgeneral health status and to improve the quality of life,create sports programs for non-physical education studentsshould be designed on the agenda of universityofficials.

Keywords:

Anthropometry , Physical Fitness , Posture , Athletes , Non-Athletes