Abstract

An overall test of fitness was administered to 387 female volunteers between the ages of 14 and 76 years. The test battery included a test for cardiovascular endurance (12 minute bicycle test); muscular endurance (1 minute speed sit ups, flexed arm hang); muscular strength (grip strength, 30 second speed push ups); flexibility (sit and reach, back extension); and per cent body fat (skinfold measures). Height, weight and resting blood pressure were also recorded for each of the participants. The subjects were divided into five age groups and the test results were compared between groups to determine the trends in fitness test scores. The following trends were identified from the test results, from youngest to oldest age groups: an increase in body weight, percent body fat, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and a decrease in maximum oxygen uptake, maximum exercise heart rate, submaximal exercise heart rate, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and standing height. Verf.-Referat