Health-related physical fitness among adolescent school boys in Madinah city, western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aimed to measure health-related physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness, body fat, muscle strength, flexibility) among adolescent school boys in Madinah, western Saudi Arabia. The participants comprised 36 male students who performed a maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Body fat percentage (BF%) was determined using the bioelectrical impedance scale; hand grip strength was measured using a hand grip dynamometer; and flexibility was determined using the sit and reach test. The results of the health-related physical fitness tests reveal that the mean (± SD) value of estimated VO2max was 41.1 ± 6.9 (ml.kg.min). The mean (± SD) values of BF%, right-hand grip strength, left-hand grip strength, and flexibility were 18.7 ± 8.6 (%), 33.3 ± 5.6 (kg), 32.8 ± 5.7 (kg), and 15.8 ± 3.9 (cm), respectively. With the exception of flexibility, we conclude that it is necessary to improve health-related physical fitness components, particularly muscle strength, among Saudi adolescent school boys in Madinah city.