Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2019

Abstract

Research has shown that traditional college students are more physically fit at the beginning of their freshman year compared to their senior year. PURPOSE: The purpose of this data analysis is to examine how fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), handgrip strength and VO2max change in a college-aged population. METHODS: A five-year cross-sectional design was used to assess a sample of college students (n=3,379; Males=55.4%; BMI: 25.2±5.7; Age:19.4±1.5) in an introductory wellness class. The range in age was 18-25 which were divided into four groups: 1=18-19yrs, 2=20-21yrs, 3=22-23yrs and 4=24-25yrs. Subjects were taken through the following screenings: height, weight, body fat percentage, grip strength, and estimated VO2Max. Body Fat was analyzed using a Tanita. Grip strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer. Estimated VO2max and heart rate recovery were assessed using the Tecumseh sub-maximal step test. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine changes in the estimated VO2max, FFM, FM and handgrip strength. RESULTS: Comparing the whole population across age groups, there was no significant change in FM and estimated VO2max. However, hand­grip strength (F(3,3103)=11.53,P<0.001) and FFM (F(3,1357)=7.58,P<0.001) did change across age groups. Students had a significant increase in handgrip strength from ages 18-19 (38.13 kg) to ages 24-25 (42.89 kg), re­spectively. Students also had an increase in FFM from ages 18-19 (57.10 kg) to ages 22-23 (61.82kg), respective­ly. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that college-aged students have both and increase and decrease in measures of fitness and body composition.

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