Socioeconomic Determinants of the Anthropometric Characteristics and Motor Abilities of Polish Male University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in 2000–2018

<i>Aim:</i> The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between socioeconomic factors, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of male university students. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> The study was conducted from 2000 to 2018 on 2691 male university...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Robert Podstawski, Piotr Markowski, Dariusz Choszcz, Michał Boraczyński, Piotr Gronek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-02-01
Series:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/4/1300
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Summary:<i>Aim:</i> The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between socioeconomic factors, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of male university students. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> The study was conducted from 2000 to 2018 on 2691 male university students aged 19.98 &#177; 1.05 years, who were randomly selected from students attending obligatory physical education (PE) classes. The participants&#8217; body mass and height were measured, and students participated in 13 motor ability tests that assessed their speed/agility, flexibility, strength and endurance abilities. Multiple independent samples were compared with the Kruskal&#8722;Wallis test or the mean-ranks post-hoc test when significant differences were observed in the participants&#8217; motor abilities. <i>Results:</i> Factors such as the place of permanent residence, students&#8217; monthly budget, and mother&#8217;s and father&#8217;s educational background, significantly (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) influenced the body mass, BMI and motor abilities of first-year university students. The participants&#8217; motor abilities (speed/agility, flexibility&#8212;partly, strength, strength endurance, and endurance) were most frequently and most significantly determined by their monthly budgets, and were least frequently and least significantly determined by their place of permanent residence. <i>Conclusions:</i> The students&#8217; body height, BMI and motor abilities generally increased with a rise in population in the place of permanent residence, monthly budget, and the parents&#8217; educational attainment.
ISSN:1660-4601