EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES ON BODY COMPOSITION, FLEXIBILITY, AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN MIDDLE AGED MEN AND WOMEN

Dr. Gajanana Prabhu B. and Mr. Harsha C. M.

Abstract

Physical activities are the most significant way to prevent non-communicable diseases. There are different forms of physical activities chosen individually as per the need and abilities. Yoga is one of the most effective way of keeping oneself healthy and fit. The purpose of the study was to compare body composition, flexibility, and blood pressure between male as well as female individuals practicing yoga and walkers of Shivamogga district. The subjects for study were male (N=25) as well as female (N=25) daily yoga practicing individuals and male (N=25) as well as female (N=25) walkers of the Shivamogga district. Their age ranged between above 40 to 60 years. The subjects for the study were selected through purposive random technique. The subject were walking in the ground and practicing yoga in Yoga center in Shivamogga urban locality. The assessment of flexibility was done using a sit and reach box. Standard equipment and procedure were adopted to measure body composition, flexibility and blood pressure. The sit and reach test was used to measure the flexibility of hip region, lower back and hamstring muscles. The blood pressure was assessed through a standard pre-calibrated automated Omron 10 Series blood pressure monitor. Omron HBF 701 Karada Scan Machine was used to examine the body fat related variables. Descriptive statistics like Mean, Standard Deviation and other suitable statics were employed in the present investigation. In order to test the hypotheses formulated for the present investigation, ‘t’ test for independent variables was employed. The level of significance was .05 level. Yoga practicing male individuals were significantly better in flexibility as compared to male walkers. Regularly walking female individuals were significantly higher in percent body fat as compared to female yoga practicing individuals.

Keywords: Physical activities, Middle aged Men and Women, Flexibility, Body Fat and Blood Pressure.