Data from: A comparative study on the physical fitness of college students from different grades and majors in Jiangxi province
Data files
Aug 06, 2024 version files 3.38 MB
Abstract
Objective: Research to date has not provided a clear understanding of how different grades and majors affect the physical fitness of college students. It is postulated that there are significant disparities in physical health among college students of different grades and majors. The purpose of this study was to evidence these health disparities and to engage in an extensive analysis and discussion thereof.
Methods: A sample of 8,772 (2,404 boys and 6,368 girls) Chinese college students from freshman to junior years, aged 17-22, including 12 different majors in four colleges, were recruited in Jiangxi Province. All seven physical fitness indicators (body mass index (BMI), forced vital capacity, 50-m dash, standing long jump, sit and reach, upper body muscle strength, and endurance runs) were conducted for all participants. One-way ANOVA and LSD tests were conducted to compare the physical fitness scores of different grades in the same major. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare the differences in every physical fitness indicator for different majors. Pearson’s correlations among 12 majors for every grade were conducted to study the significant corrections between the two physical fitness indicators. The body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness indicator (PFI) for college students of different grade were investigated using a nonlinear regression model.
Results: The current state of physical fitness among college students is concerning, as the majority of students were barely passing (with a passing rate of 75.3%). Specifically, junior students exhibited lower scores than freshman and sophomore students across all 12 majors. From freshman to junior year, majors of music (78.01±4.58), English (79.29±5.03), and education (76.26±4.81) had the highest scores, respectively, but major art consistently scored the lowest, which were 73.85±6.02, 74.97±5.53, and 72.59±4.84, respectively. Pairwise comparisons revealed more significant differences in individual physical fitness indicators among the three grades in humanities than in sciences. Pearson’s correlations showed significant correlations among seven physical fitness indicators in all three grades. PFI had a parabolic trend with BMI both for boy and girl college students in Jiangxi province.
Conclusion: The physical fitness indicators of college students in Jiangxi province significantly differed in grades and majors, showing undesirable phenomena. The physical fitness of senior and humanities major college students was much weaker and needs sufficient attention. The relationship between BMI and PFI presented an inverted “U”-shaped change characteristic. Continued nationwide interventions are needed to promote physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors in China.
README: Data from: A comparative study on the physical fitness of college students from different grades and majors in Jiangxi province
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.qbzkh18sd.
The supplementary materials consist of two sections: the first is Table S1, which presents a comparison of individual physical fitness test scores among students of the same major across different grades, based on the national physical fitness testing standards of China. The second section comprises all the data utilized in the study, including the comprehensive physical fitness test data for 8,772 college students.
The dataset comprises 25 columns, beginning with demographic information such as grade level, major, and gender (1 for males, 2 for females). Subsequent columns (4 and 5) present the BMI values (calculated from height and weight data) and corresponding categories. Columns 6 through 8 document the particular values, scores, and classifications of vital capacity. Columns 9 to 11 capture the distinct values, scores, and levels of the 50-m dash. The following sections in columns 12 to 14 pertain to the specific values, scores, and levels of the standing long jump. Columns 15 to 17 detail the values, scores, and levels of the sit-and-reach test. The endurance test results—800 m for females and 1000 m for males—are recorded in columns 18 and 19, respectively. The specific values for sit-ups (for females) and pull-ups (for males) are found in columns 20 and 21. Columns 22 to 23 contain scores and levels of upper body muscle strength. The 24th column presents the aggregate score from the individual's physical fitness assessment, while the final column indicates the respective physical fitness test score levles for each student.
Data was derived from the following sources: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308483.