Assessment of Some Selected Physical Fitness Components of Jimma University Sport Science Department Students

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess some selected physical fitness components of Jimma University sport science department students. For this study 136 subjects was screened using systematic random sampling. Cross-sectional study design was used because the subjects were tested once. The quantitative data was collected through anthropometric test and through physical fitness tests. Mean and standard deviation was computed for age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), push up test, Illinois agility test, sit and reach test and sit up test. Moreover, multiple comparison tests was used to examine the subject push up test, Illinois agility test, sit and reach test and sit up test. The significance level was set at P< 0.05 for each of the statistical tests. The SPSS 20 software was used for the statistical analysis. The mean results of BMI in both male and female first, second and third year sport science students as compared with international norms, they were in the normal range. Both in male female first year sport science students showed that a better mean difference than second and third year sport science in push up test, agility, sit & reach and sit up tests but there is no a significant mean difference in p<0.05. Male sport science students’ are fulfilling the international norms in most physical fitness tests. Female sport science students’ are not are fulfilling the international norms in most physical fitness tests. Regular energetic activity needed to produces physical fitness improvements of sport science department students. To be more beneficial in all dimensions sport science students should have pre physical fitness exam to join the department. It is highly expected from sport professionals and related fields to guide and educate on the importance and value of physical fitness. Sport science department should design a special physical fitness program for their students. Further research on the benefits of physical fitness for sport science students and other students for their daily routine.

Keywords: Physical fitness, Sport Science, Students