Relationship between anthropometric profile and physical condition in university students enrolled in the Physical Education program at the University of La Guajira, Colombia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.117909Keywords:
Physical Fitness, Anthropometry, University Students, Body Composition, Physical Performance.Abstract
Introduction: This study analyzed the relationship between physical fitness and anthropometric indica-tors in 101 first-semester students enrolled in the Bachelor's Degree program in Physical Education at the University of La Guajira (Colombia), aged between 17 and 20 years, of whom 82.18% were male and 17.82% female.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical fitness and anthropometric variables in first semester students of the Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports program at the University of La Guajira, Colombia. Methodology: A descriptive-correlational design was employed, using standardized tests to assess aerobic endurance (Cooper Test), speed (50 m sprint), up-per-body strength (push-ups), flexibility (Wells bench test), and abdominal endurance (60-second sit-ups). Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, BMI, and abdominal, waist, and hip circumferences were conducted following ISAK protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0, applying Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients (p < 0.05). The results showed an average BMI of 23.20±5.2, with 66.34% of participants in the normal weight range and 22.77% classified as overweight. The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) averaged 0.90±0.03, with 15.84% of participants presenting moderate risk.
Conclusion: Higher BMI values and increased central adiposity were associated with lower performance in endurance and speed tests, highlighting implementing early monitoring and intervention strategies at the beginning of university training.
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