Abstract

Physical fitness is an important health indicator for young people. In 1990, a sample of senior high school students was examined for their physical condition and fitness, consisting of weight, height, subcutaneous fat, haemoglobin level, flexibility, strength and endurance. Evaluation on the nutritional condition was based on body mass index (BMI). The average BMFs were 18.9 for boys and 19.5 for girls. Compared to the Thomas standard 55.5% boys and 26.6% girls were below normal. The proportion of body fat was estimated from the subcutaneous fat measurements and classified according to Loren D. Carlson. The average proportion of body fat were 8.8% for boys and 19.6% for girls. Among the students 2.9% boys and 22.0% girls had an excess proportion of body fat. The average haemoglobine levels were 14.9 gm/dl for boys and 12.9 gm/dl for girls. Compared to the WHO standard, anaemia was found among 12.9% boys and 23.6% girls. The fitness tests showed average relative strength of 5.3% for boys and 3.4% for girls. As compared to the standard values 43.8% boys and 25.2% girls were under the normal values. The average flexibility components were 13.5 cm for boys and 12.3 cm for girls , only a small percentage of the students had lack of flexibility. The endurance was measured based on the cardio-respiratory test. The average endurance were 38.0 ml/Kg/min for boys and 30.8 ml/Kg/min for girls. The results of endurance tests were classified according to the Astrand method, 51.9% boys and 53.3% girls had poor endurance. The above findings indicate that more than half of the young people had poor physical quality, who need improvements through better nutrition and regular physical exercise.