Comparison of Health of Height-Weight Matched Young-Adult Female Athletes of Hilly and Plane Regions in Selected Anthropometric Measurements

Abstract

Height and weight are the major two determinants for various anthropometric properties at any age in life. People of different racial origins and geographical locations have specific anthropometric features. Purpose of this study was to compare health status of height-weight matched young-adult females of hill and plane regions through selected anthropometric measurements. Sixty (N=60) 18– 25 years female, thirty from each of the hill and plane localities were the subjects. The height range was 157.5 – 162.5 cm and weight was 52.5 – 55.5 kg. Seven skin-folds, six body circumferences and three body composition measures, namely – body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage (%BF), derived from respective anthropometric measurements, all were the variables of the study. Out of seven skin-folds, plane subjects were significantly higher (P>0.05) at only biceps site and hilly subjects at sub-scapula, suprailiac, abdomen and thigh but no difference existed at triceps and calf. Among the seven body circumferences, hilly girls were superior at upper limb, lower limb and waist circumferences; however, at thigh, calf, abdomen and hip sites there was no any significant difference between the groups. Among the three body composition measures, only %BF and WHR was higher in hilly subjects. But LBM and BMI did not differ in both groups.