Changes in physical fitness of Hungarian college students in the last fifteen years

Acta Biol Hung. 2015 Sep;66(3):270-81. doi: 10.1556/018.66.2015.3.3.

Abstract

This study compared the physical fitness of Hungarian undergraduate students in 2011-2012 with the representative sample surveyed in 1997-1998. A total of 123 males and 309 females (mean age 21.19 ± 2.19 yrs) were randomly selected in two Hungarian universities (Pécs, Kaposvár). Anthropometric data (height, weight, skinfolds, body fat percentages) were measured and the subjects performed 9 tests of the Eurofit Fitness Test Battery. The BMI, total body fat and performance in most of the fitness components (balance, agility/speed, flexibility, abdominal muscular strength, aerobic fitness of females) was higher in 1997-1998 (p<0.05) whereas the handgrip strength and performance in Bent Arm Hanging test were significantly better in 2011-2012 (p<0.001). These findings support interventions focusing on increasing regular physical activity among Hungarian youth.

Keywords: Eurofit; Young adults; anthropometry; physical fitness.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity / physiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Universities