Comparative analysis of the effects of physical exercise

The purpose of this study was to assess anthropometrical, somatomotor, and cardio respiratory characteristics of athletes and non-athletes subjects to establish which effects of the organized physical training discriminate well between them. Subjects were 61 athlete and non-athlete medical students. Four groups were formed relying upon gender and physical activity. Body measures were computed. The motor abilities were tested by a set of static and dynamic motor tests, and cardio respiratory functions were recorded. No statistically significant differences were obtained from the comparisons of the body measures of basketball players and non-athlete medical students, except the body height. In contrast, significant differences were found both between the motor performances and between the cardio respiratory functions of the athlete and non-athlete groups. The body mass index (BMI) and the body fat (%) correlated negatively with static hanging, vertical jumping, and balance capability. On the contrary, BMI and body fat correlated positively with systolic blood pressure and vital capacity. The present results show that the effects of regular physical exercise on motor performances and cardio respiratory functions differentiate better between the athlete and non-athlete subjects than the changes in body measures.