Changes in Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Fitness of Polish Students in 20-Year Period

Abstract

Background: Intergenerational changes are still being recorded worldwide, although their magnitude and direction may vary in different countries. The aim of this study was to determine changes in the magnitude and direction of changes in the body morphology and motor abilities of physically active adults over 20 years. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-two individuals aged 18–28 years volunteered to participate in the study. The changes were analyzed over a 20-year period (March 2001; P1 vs. March 2022; P2). The measured parameters were body height, weight, and body fat. Further, hand grip strength with dynamometer measurement, a sit-up test, a sit and reach test, and a standing long jump were performed to examine motor abilities. The results of the conducted tests were compared between subjects from both periods. Results: Our study confirms changes in trends concerning body morphology and motor ability performance. Higher values of body mass index and body fat were observed in P2 women, whereas these differences were not significant in men. Additionally, in terms of physical performance, the P2 group noted worse results than their peers from the past. Conclusion: Despite young adults claiming to have similar physical activity levels to those observed in the past, they demonstrate poorer physical performance and higher body fat levels. The observed changes can be considered negative.

Socioeconomic inequalities in health-related fitness gradient shifts between 2001 and 2022 in young Polish adults

“…These data provide deeper insight into H-RF changes and indicate the need for public health disease prevention interventions ( 48 ). The decline in motor performance requires attention because motor skills are lower at a young age, meaning future generations are at risk of limited independence in old age ( 1 , 49 ). Moreover, this creates a severe public health issue that could grow if the tendency develops.…”

“…The Harpenden Skinfold Caliper measured skin folds of the triceps brachii and abdominal muscles with an accuracy of 0.1 mm ( 1 ). Body fat percentage (BFP) was calculated from skin fold measurements using the equations of Slaughter et al ( 40 ) for comparative analysis.…”

“…The Shapiro–Wilk test evaluated the normality of the distribution of continuous variables. Descriptive statistics for continuous measurements (ABS, age, BFP, BH, BMI, BW, FL, HS, and SJ) and secular trends were published previously ( 1 ). The current study calculated and presented standardized BFP, BH, BMI, and MPSI for each period (P 1 and P 2 ) as mean and SD, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).…”

“…Socioeconomic status (SES) is defined by income, educational level, family structure, and degree of urbanization, among other factors, and its relationship with health is researched widely for numerous public health reasons. Among the many health-related impacts of SES, including its psychological, mental, physical, and physiological effects, indicators of physical fitness are rarely used ( 1 – 3 ). Indeed, an increasing number of studies have focused on physical activity rather than physical fitness, especially health-related fitness (H-RF) ( 4 – 6 ).…”

“…This study follows up on the issues presented in the study by Fugiel et al(1), which provides a detailed description of the methodology, test subjects, and procedures. Here, the most important aspects are briefly described.…”