Differences in anthropologic characteristics between kinesiologically active and inactive female students.
Nenad Rogulj1, Ljerka Srhoj, Marijana Cavala
1University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology, Split, Croatia.
Collegium Antropologicum
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Female students engaged in sports show better coordination and less body fat compared to non-athletes. Personal characteristics remained unaffected by sport activity. This highlights sport
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Sports Science
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Student health and fitness are crucial for academic success.
- Understanding the impact of physical activity on young adults is essential.
- Previous research indicates varied effects of sports on physical and personal traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze differences in anthropological status between female students with and without sports engagement.
- To investigate the influence of sports participation on morphological, motor, and personal characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 156 female students (aged 18-20) from the Faculty of Philosophy in Split was studied.
- Anthropological status was assessed using 15 tests: 4 for morphological characteristics, 7 for motor abilities, and 4 for personal characteristics.
- Multivariant and univariant analyses of variance were employed to determine statistical significance (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences were found in the anthropological variables between the two groups.
- Students with no sports engagement exhibited significantly higher subcutaneous fat.
- Students engaged in sports demonstrated significantly better whole-body coordination; no differences were noted in personal characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Sport engagement significantly influences morphological characteristics and motor abilities in female students.
- Physical activity is linked to reduced body fat and enhanced coordination.
- Personal characteristics appear independent of sports participation in this demographic.
