Research Article
Examination of Physical Fitness and Bone Mineral Density Based on Differences in Morphological Quality in Adolescent Girls
Yuki Takeyama*
,
Katsunori Fujii
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-9
Received:
20 December 2024
Accepted:
8 January 2025
Published:
23 January 2025
Abstract: BMI is convenient because it is easily used to determine the level of obesity and slimness, but because the degree of fat mass accumulation differs in relation to body type, the physical strength and athletic ability of obese and slim individuals may be misjudged. Therefore, in this study, in order to establish a method to objectively judge the degree of accumulation of fat mass relative to the body type of junior high school girls, we construct a standardized evaluation chart from a polynomial regression analysis of body fat percentage relative to BMI. Based on the constructed evaluation chart, the degree of fat accumulation is determined in the obese, normal, and slim body types judged by BMI, and classified into categories of more fat, normal and less fat. The aim was to examine physical fitness, athletic performance, and bone density in the classified categories. The subjects were 341 Japan female junior high school students, and physique, body composition, physical fitness tests and bone density were measured. First, among the groups classified into the obese, standard, and slim types based on fatness judged by BMI, physical strength, athletic ability, and bone density were particularly high in the order of obese, standard, and slim. However, in other physical fitness and athletic ability categories, it was shown that sit-ups, long-seated forward bends, side steps, 20-meter shuttle run, 50-meter run, and standing long jump were high in the order of standard, slim, and obese. Next, in order to verify physical strength, athletic ability, and bone density due to differences in morphological quality, we compared nine categories based on a polynomial regression evaluation chart of body fat percentage to BMI based on differences in the degree of fat accumulation (more fat, normal, and less fat). As a result, it was clarified that individuals of the obese type with less fat were superior in terms of grip strength and bone density. In other physical strength and athletic ability measures (sit-ups, long-seated forward bend, side steps, 20 m shuttle run, 50 m run, standing long jump, handball throw), the standard type was superior, and among them those with less fat did the best. For the first time, the relationship between physical strength, athletic ability, and bone density in the morphological qualities of Japan female junior high school students was derived, and it may become useful knowledge for future health education guidance.
Abstract: BMI is convenient because it is easily used to determine the level of obesity and slimness, but because the degree of fat mass accumulation differs in relation to body type, the physical strength and athletic ability of obese and slim individuals may be misjudged. Therefore, in this study, in order to establish a method to objectively judge the deg...
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Research Article
Where the Tides of Life Make Sense: Insights from Surfers in Hong Kong
Judith Blaine*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
10-23
Received:
30 January 2025
Accepted:
14 February 2025
Published:
26 February 2025
Abstract: Surfing is becoming increasingly popular, and is alleged to provide personal, social, environmental and economic benefits to an estimated 35 million surfers and thousands of coastal communities worldwide. Anecdotal evidence suggests that surfing is associated with positive mental and physical outcomes, greater community cohesion, health-promoting lifestyles and better ocean stewardship. However, despite its popularity, there is limited scientific research to date investigating the outcomes of surfing, particularly in Asia. This project aims to assess the effects of surfing in Hong Kong (HK) on its people, the community and the environment. Thus, adopting an underlying social constructivist framework, this mixed-method study collected online survey material from 106 participants investigating the personal, social and environmental outcomes of surfing in Hong Kong. Quantitative survey findings indicate that surfing had a positive effect on participants, particularly in terms of their personal lives and environmental awareness. Thematic qualitative analysis from open-ended survey questions and semi-structured interviews suggests that surfing has a positive effect on psychosocial wellbeing and environmental awareness. However, surfers are bewildered at the rationale behind the ban on surfing in HK, particularly since its inclusion as an Olympics sport and given that it is actively promoted in Mainland China. It is hoped that this research will draw attention from the public and policymakers into the importance of surfing in terms of psychosocial wellbeing and environmental protection.
Abstract: Surfing is becoming increasingly popular, and is alleged to provide personal, social, environmental and economic benefits to an estimated 35 million surfers and thousands of coastal communities worldwide. Anecdotal evidence suggests that surfing is associated with positive mental and physical outcomes, greater community cohesion, health-promoting l...
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