Zdrowie Publiczne 2008 118(4);437-441 Original Article
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The level of health-related fitness in the male population of Upper Silesia
Knapik Andrzej, Saulicz Edward, Kuszewski Michał, Plinta Ryszard
Introduction. In recent years the perception of body fi tness has been changing. There is a move away from the concept of fi tness seen only through its aspects of motor function towards the more and more prevalent view of fi tness being related to such a functioning of the body which would be closest to its well-being. The contemporary sedentary life style and its effect, i.e. the decrease in the adaptive ability of the body, require a means of compensation in the form of increased physical activity. There is a more and more common view that the most effective means of meeting the biological needs of the body is the activity of a sporting nature.
The aim. The objective of the present paper was to specify the impact of a systematic physical activity of sporting nature on the level of fi tness according to H-RF, men living in Upper Silesia.
Materials and methods. One hundred seventy five (175) men aged 30-60 were examined. The tests included morphological measurements and activity tests the choice of which was in compliance with the assumed conceptual approach towards fi tness. The following measurements were taken: the static pulse, the body mass, percentage of fatty tissue, and the size of waist and hips. Motor tests encompassed the assessment of the functioning level, fl exibility, muscular strength and selected coordination abilities. A regular physical activity with a minimum of one hour once a week was assumed as the variable differentiating the participants of the tests.
Results. Statistically signifi cant differences were noted in the majority of the tested parameters to the advantage of the physically active persons. These differences regarded the static pulse, the fatty tissue, the WHR factor, the oxygen function, fl exibility, the selected parameters of strength and some of the coordination abilities.
Conclusions.hysical activity of sporting nature as an element of one’s life style seems to constitute a determining factor about the level of health-oriented fi tness. As the concept of fi tness pertains to the state of activity – a process, from the view point of health prevention, the promotion of the concept of health-oriented activity, seems desirable.