Physical Fitness Profile among Physiotherapy Students across Academic Years -A Cross-sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46858/VIMSJPT/2026/v8.i1/65-75Keywords:
Body Mass Index, Flexibility, Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Functional Capacity, Exercise AssessmentAbstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the physical fitness of undergraduate physiotherapy students using standardised physical fitness tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 physiotherapy students aged 18–25 years. Physical fitness was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), Sit-and-Reach Test, Back Scratch Test, Harvard Step Test, and Sit-up Test. Results: Most participants (61.3%) had normal BMI. In the Sit-and-Reach Test, 73.7% of males and 85.3% of females demonstrated excellent to super flexibility. In the Back Scratch Test, 89.5% of males and 89.3% of females demonstrated excellent upper limb flexibility. In the Harvard Step Test, 47.4% of males and 47.3% of females demonstrated average to excellent endurance. In the Sit-up Test, 84.2% of males and 44.3% of females demonstrated average to excellent abdominal endurance. Conclusion: Most participants had normal BMI and good flexibility, while cardiovascular and abdominal endurance differed between males and females.
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