Gender differences in cardiorespiratory fitness and body fat among Nigerian teenagers
Journal Title: Advances of Science for Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body fat are both predictors of health risks reported among Nigerians. Objective: To determine gender differences in obesity and physical fitness among North-west Nigerian teenagers. Method: This cross-sectional correlational study included 394 teenagers. Subjects underwent anthropometric and physiological evaluations. Prevalence of obesity and low work capacity (LWC) (males<42; females<35ml.kg-1.min-1) were assessed. The Peak Vo2 was assessed using the 20meters multi-stage shuttle run test (PACER). Result: Of the total 394 teenagers, there were 195 (49.5%) males and 199 (50.5%) females. Obesity was not prevalent in the study population. Low work capacity was significantly prevalent and there was a significant difference in body fat and Peak Vo2 between males and females, with females having greater body fat and lower Peak Vo2 values. Body fat was negatively correlated to Peak Vo2. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data. Independent t-test was computed to compare physical/anthropometric characteristics across gender and fitness groups. Chi-square was computed to determine difference in prevalence of obesity and LWC between male and female teenagers using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 20.0 at P<0.05. Conclusion/Recommendation: Gender has influence on the prevalence of LWC among 13-19 yr old children in North-west Nigeria. Early detection and treatment of LWC and more studies of this nature should be conducted in other regions in both affluent and poor communities in this country.
Authors and Affiliations
Shmaila Hanif, D. I. Musa, S. Lamina, J. M. Nuhu, Rufai Yusuf Ahmad
Keywords
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- EP ID EP330083
- DOI 10.5281/zenodo.1309189
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