Gender Differences for Fitness Performance Measures - Assignment Example

Name : xxxxxxxxxxx Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : Gender differences for fitness performance measures Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx @2010 Abstract The aim of the experiment described in this report is to evaluate the relationship between gender and various parameters of fitness such as grip strength, lung capacity, hours of exercise and flexibility. The results from the experiment can be applied in various fields which include treatment of ailments such as those affecting the functions of the hand and also in the maintenance of appropriate body fitness. Hand grip strength is a significant aspect of consideration in many occupational tasks and also in general activity of the individual. The hand grip strength is determined among the 72 participants aged between 16 and 35 years by use of a Jamar dynamometer. They were determined in two positions that is, when the hand is placed in a neutral position and when it is placed in ulnar position in an attempt to determine whether other factors affect hand grip strength in the two genders. Another factor that was determined in the experiment is lung capacity. Lung capacity is also an important determinant of the general fitness of a person. This was determined by using the balloon method. Although lung capacity is entirely dependent on the size of the individual, whether male or female, a few factors such as ailments that affect the architecture or the volume of the air versus fluid can alter the lung capacity. Flexibility and number of hours spent in exercising were also determined. Numbers of hours spent in exercising were assessed through the use of a non-identifying questionnaire which was intended at collecting data regarding age, the average practice of the individual and the sensitivity of discomfort levels (Alter, 2004). Gender differences for fitness performance measures Introduction The aim of the experiment is to find out whether there is a relationship between gender and various parameters of fitness such as grip strength, lung capacity, hours of exercise and flexibility. Evaluation of hand strength has been applied in a broad range of clinical settings particularly during the treatment of ailments affecting the function of the hand. The data collected will thus be useful in revealing a curvilinear relationship of grip strength to age, a correlation to height, weight and important differences between occupational groups. Hand grip strength is a significant limiting factor in several occupational tasks and also in general activity and is affected by several factors. Hand grip strength is influenced by factors such as wrist position, that is, neutral position and maximum ulnar deviation. Lung capacity is also an important determinant of the general fitness of a person. This is basically the essential function of the lung sizes and is a function of the genetic composition of a person. Breathing is one of the major body functions that generally take place with barely a conscious thought. Apart from the genetic make up of a person and the gender of the individual, another aspect that has an impact on total lung capacity is ailment that alters the architecture or the volume of air versus fluid that can fill the lung spaces (Staff, 2006). If there is gender prevalence to these diseases then there is also a gender impact on lung capacity. The number of hours spent on exercising is another factor that affects the general body fitness. Exercising is carried out at various levels for various reasons. Though some people exercise for fun, others make a career from exercising while others exercise to remain healthy and sustain shapely body. Men generally exercise to have fun while women exercise to loose or maintain the weight they desire. Thus the main objective or aim of this experiment is to find out the relationship between gender and the mentioned parameters of fitness that is: flexibility, hours of exercise, lung capacity and hand grip strength (Adams, 2001). Material and methods The sample used for the experiment of the measurement of the relationship between gender and hand grip strength is a combination of both male and females of different ages. In order to realize the set objectives of the experiment, an experimental protocol was established. The set up was intended to determine age and gender specific reference numbers for grip and pinch strength in a normal population with regard to various objects. Grip strength data was collected by use of a Jamar dynamometer and a pinch gauge with average testing position, protocol and instructions. The participant was required to squeeze the dynamometer with the highest instantaneous force, once in a neutral position and subsequently in an ulnar position. During the entire period of data collection in the two positions, the participant or subject remained in the same seated position thus facilitating the achievement of strength in the same conditions. At the end of the first task, a non-identifying questionnaire was filled which was intended at collecting data regarding age, the average practice of the individual and the sensitivity of discomfort levels. The lung capacity volume was measured by either using a balloon method which is a likely to be less accurate or the water displacement which is messier but more accurate. The balloon method will need a round balloon for each participant and a ruler, a tape measure, bathroom scale and a calculator or computer with spreadsheet program. The time in hours spent while exercising was determined by emailing randomly and required to complete a questionnaire on the subject of exercise frequency as well as their motivation to exercise. Dynamic flexibility was assessed in order to establish the variations of flexibility between the two genders (Alter, 2004). Results Analysis of the data collected for the 72 tested participants between the ages of 16 and 35 years revealed a curvilinear relationship of grip pinch strength to age a correlation to height, weight and important variations between occupational groups. Hand grip strength values varied significantly from those done in other populations. In a gender analysis, the men showed a stronger grip both with the neutral position as well as the maximum ulnar deviation. In the neutral position, men showed a force of 38.9N and a standard deviation of 6.9 against the females’ average of 27.7N and a standard deviation of 7.4N. In maximal ulnar deviation males showed a grip of 22.3N with a standard deviation of 6.8N. This analysis showed that individuals of the male gender had a maximum grip ability of 28.8% higher than that of their female counterparts with the wrist in a neutral position and 21.8%greater with the wrist placed in ulnar deviation. The results of the discomfort experienced by the participants after attaining the maximum grip force indicated that the discomfort was 30% higher in the maximum ulnar deviation as compared to the ulnar position, implying that the increase in discomfort seems that the raise in discomfort appears in a bigger scale than the reduction of the force when the positions are changed. The results for the number of hours taken during exercise showed that women exercise for appearance related reasons. They do not however exercise more than the men. Lung capacity which is the total volume of air is basically dependent on the size of the lungs. The lung capacity for a large person is greater than that of a small person. In terms of gender, a female with a large body size will have a large lung capacity than a male with a small body size. The effect gender has on lung capacity is simple corresponding to gender’s effect on the lung size. Men proved to be more flexible than their female counterparts. Discussion The results for the measurement of hand grip strength at the two positions indicated that the average grip force in the neutral position was 23.4% greater than that in the maximum ulnar deviation. In a gender analysis, the men showed a stronger grip both with the wrist in a neutral position and in a maximum ulnar deviation. The results indicated that the individuals of the male category had a maximum grip capacity 28.8% greater than that of their female counterparts with the wrist at neutral position and 21.8% greater with the wrist in ulnar deviation. In regard to exercising, individuals that had regular physical exercises had a maximum grip force capacity with the wrist placed in the neutral position. The force was 12.6% higher than those who did not participate in sporting activities and 8.7% higher when in the maximum ulnar deviation (Adams, 2001). Exercising is done at several levels for various reasons. Though some exercise may be for fun, some people make a career out of exercising while others exercise to remain healthy or maintain their bodies to the intended shapes. In general men exercise to establish and concentrate the muscle mass in their bodies and they therefore require a more vigorous exercise than the ladies. This calls for the use advanced fitness equipments. Part of their exercise includes lifting heavy weights using the two hands as well as the legs in an attempt to define the muscles. The main objective of exercising among the ladies is to maintain the desired body shape and size and thus most of them normally work out to loose. They also require vigorous training schedules but their course differ from that of the males. Women need to enhance their metabolism rate and tame the muscle but not emphasize them. Women thus prefer cardio exercises like jogging and power walking as opposed to more vigorous exercises such as weight lifting. Men and women vary in the durations of exercise per session due to variations in the kinds and exercise activities they engage in. men are more likely than the ladies to participate in social sports activities like basketball whereas the ladies prefer participation in less vigorous activities like treadmill and riding of bikes (Alter, 2004). The volume of air that the lungs can carry differs with age, weight, height, gender and in extreme case the race. The usual Total lung capacity for a man aged 20-30 is 6000mL while that of the females is 4200mL although this varies with body size. A bigger female will be able to carry more air in the lungs than a smaller male. This is attributed to more room for chest expansion. The amount of air carried in the lungs thus does not necessarily depend on the gender of the individual but on the size of the person (Staff, 2006). Conclusion The experiment revealed that there is a relationship between gender and hand grip strength. The males proved to have a stronger hand grip strength compared to their female counterparts. The male gender exhibited higher hand grip strength in the two positions assessed. It also showed a positive relationship between body size and lung capacity. Lung capacity was not dependent on the gender of the participant. The males were more flexible than the females in regard to dynamic flexibility. The female gender exercise mostly for appearance reasons but the length of time spent in exercising depends on type of exercise. Bibliography Adams, S.K., 2001, Hand grip strength. London and New York: Taylor and Francis Alter, M., 2004, Science of flexibility, New York: Free press Staff, 2006, "Human Respiratory System," American Lung Association. 6th April 6, 2010 Read More