Abstract details

Abstract-ID: 1346
Title of the paper: The Assessment of Anthropometric Profiles of Female University Students Studying Sport Science and Physical Activity at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi, G., Alahmadi, M.
Institution: Taibah University
Department: Sport Science and Physical Activity
Country: Saudi Arabia
Abstract text INTRODUCTION:
Physical activity offers significant benefits for health, economy, and culture, and the Saudi government is committed to promoting it. In 2018, the Sport Science and Physical Activity (SSPA) major was introduced for female students at several universities, including Taibah University in Madinah, western Saudi Arabia. To our knowledge, anthropometric profiles of Saudi Arabian female SSPA university students are not currently available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide the anthropometric profiles of SSPA female students at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS:
The anthropometric profiles of 20 female university students from the College of Education at Taibah University were assessed. Body weight was measured using a digital scale (Seca) to the nearest 0.1 kg, and height was measured using a portable stadiometer (Seca) to the nearest 0.5 cm, with the head in the horizontal Frankfort plane. Eight skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, supraspinal, abdominal, front thigh, and medial calf) were measured using a skinfold caliper (Cescorf). Six circumferences (relaxed and contracted arm, waist, hip, thigh, and calf) were measured using an anthropometric tape (Cescorf). Three bone breadths (humerus, bi-styloid, and femur) were measured using a small sliding caliper (Cescorf). All measurements were conducted by a trained female (accredited level 1 anthropometrist) following procedures established by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Repeated measurements were taken for each parameter to determine the technical error of measurement (=5% for skinfolds and =1% for all other measurements).
RESULTS:
The mean and standard deviation (±SD) for age, height, weight, and BMI were 21.65 ± 1.23 years, 160.17 ± 5.31 cm, 51.62 ± 6.59 kg, and 20.14 ± 2.59 kg/m², respectively. The percentage of fat mass and skeletal muscle mass were 28.80 ± 4.99% and 40.80 ± 3.40%, respectively. The sum of the eight skinfolds was 81.25 ± 25.15 mm. Waist circumference and hip circumference were 64.05 ± 6.70 cm and 91.30 ± 3.37 cm, respectively. The waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were 0.70 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.04, respectively. Mid-upper arm circumference was 25.08 ± 3.06 cm.
CONCLUSION:
This study provides, for the first time, anthropometric data on a sample of SSPA female university students in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the participants exhibited normal values for key health indicators when compared to individuals from the general population.
Topic: Health and Fitness
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