A. H. Ismail

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE ITEMS AND BODY COMPOSITION.

Abstract The purpose of the study is: (a) to determine the relationships between body composition and physical peformance and related items; and (b) to determine whether or not certain physical performance and related items might be useful in estimating body composition in terms of total lean body mass and percent lean body mass as measured by potassium-40 determinations in adult men. Data on 19 physical performance items were obtained from 40 subjects between 21 and 57 years of age. The results are of value to researchers in general and researchers in physical education in particular for estimating gross body composition using certain physical performance items.

Estimation of maximum oxygen uptake in adults from AAHPER youth fitness test items.

Abstract The validity of estimating maximum oxygen uptake from AAHPER Youth Fitness Test items was determined utilizing 87 adult subjects. Multiple correlations were obtained utilizing the motor fitness items as independent variables. Three dependent variables were investigated for relationship to the independent variables (gross O2 uptake, O2 uptake/kg body wt., O2 uptake/kg lean body wt.). The multiple correlation of the AAHPER items with O2 uptake/kg body wt. (0.760) was higher than with the other two variables. It was determined by multiple regression techniques that a subset of four of the independent variables could be used to get an estimate of O2 uptake/kg body wt. with an associated standard error of ± 12 percent of the estimated values. This was compared with the standard errors of more complicated estimation methods.

Relationships among Intellectual and Nonintellectual Variables

Abstract The purpose of the study was to clarify the relationship between intellectual and nonintellectual variables. In particular, the study aimed at identification of the factors explaining the relationship between these two domains among British children. Three factor analyses were run on boys, girls, and the total group. Eight factors were extracted for each group. Comparison among the three factor solutions allowed reasonable conclusions to be drawn concerning the relationship between measures of intellectual ability and nonintellectual aptitude. In particular, the evidence points to a positive association between some motor items, especially in terms of coordination and balance, and well-established measures of intelligence and scholastic ability. This conclusion based on the testing of British children is similar in pattern to the ones arrived at by Ismail and his co-workers with American children. Therefore, this study serves as a cross-cultural validation of the earlier studies conducted with Am...

Body Composition Relative to Motor Aptitude for Preadolescent Boys

Abstract The data for 40 variables were obtained from 81 Purdue University faculty sons between 10 and 12 years of age inclusive. Among the 40 variables, 680 correlation coefficients were obtained. Factor analysis was used to identify the factors which could explain the items measuring body composition and motor aptitude. As a result, eight factors were isolated and given names. The factors underlying the 40 variables seemed to permit the following names: growth and maturity factor, “body fitness” factor, body balance on object factor, coordination of the lower extremities factor, general kinesthetic sense factor, general static balance factor, directionality factor, and laterality factor. Observing the factor loadings in Factor I, it may be concluded that the measurement of lean body weight by liquid scintillation counting technique is significant in the assessment of growth and maturity in preadolescent boys. Furthermore, in the assessment of “body fitness” pertaining to preadolescent boys, it is reveal...

Factor Analysis of Motor Aptitude of Preadolescent Boys

Abstract The application of factor analysis with varimax orthogonal rotation was used to extract five factors from the intercorrelations of 25 items which authorities claim measure motor aptitude. The factors underlying the 25 items utilized in the study seemed to permit the following names: speed, growth and maturity classification, kinesthetic memory of the arms, body balance on objects, and body balance on the floor (not on objects).

Relationships Between Selected Social and Physical Factors

Abstract Interrelationships between personal distance (degree of personell acceptance), motor fitness, and athletic aptitude were studied using 83 boys in the 10-12 year age range. The relationship of athletic aptitude to leadership was studied in the same group. Another group of 75 boys of junior high school age was used to study the interrelationships between social adjustment, motor fitness, and athletic aptitude. In still another group of 45 freshmen university football squad members, the relation of personal distance scores to football ability, as judged on a man-to-man rating basis on nine items, was studied. All relationships were found to be positive, moderate, and significant at the 1 percent level of confidence.

In vivo determinations of lean body mass from K40 measurements and the relationship of these values to motor aptitude in preadolescent boys

Abstract The in vivo determination of lean body mass from measurements of K40 in a 2π liquid scintillation counter is described. Measurements were made on 81 boys, between 9 and 13 years of age, who were participating in a youth fitness program. The results, expressed in terms of lean body mass in kilograms and percentage of total body weight, were compared with 38 test items selected to measure motor aptitude. The factor—analysis technique was utilized to identify the factors which could explain the items measuring body composition and motor aptitude. Factor I, in which the percentage lean body mass is the most important item, was designated as the “Body Fitness Factor” and Factor II in which lean body mass is a very significant factor was designated as the “Growth and Maturity Factor”. The technique described for the determination of body composition is applicable to studies of the effect of physical fitness states, age, different levels of nutrition, drugs, disease, and other factors on potassium levels, lean body mass and body fat of large animals and human subjects.

Relationship between physical fitness and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.

Abstract This study was conducted (a) to determine through factor analysis techniques the basic factors underlying selected blood variables, metabolic variables, and previously determined physical and athletic fitness variables at four fixed stages of metabolic stress and (b) to determine with the t-test and through discriminant function techniques those blood variables which can discriminate between high and low levels of physical fitness. The objective of the analyses was the interpretation of the revealed information in light of previously found knowledge on the relationship of physical activity and susceptibility to heart disease. Four factors were extracted and interpreted: the effect of weight on motor fitness, the detrimental effect of aging on physical fitness, metabolic readiness, and fitness and NEFA mobility. The t-test showed statistical significance for the difference between the physically fit and unfit group means in resting serum cholesterol, submaximal exercise serum cholesterol, maximal ...

Effectiveness of Three Approaches to College Health Instruction

Abstract The investigation was conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of three different approaches to health instruction at the college level. Each of three groups of students was taught by one instructional approach: problem solving, lecture, or discussion. Analysis of initial and final measurements of health knowledge, health attitudes, and health interests through the covariance technique and t tests indicated that all three approaches were equally effective in the achievement of instructional outcomes.

Purdue Motor Fitness Test Batteries and a Development Profile for Pre-Adolescent Boys

Abstract A study was conducted to develop four Purdue Motor Fitness Test batteries. The regression equations associated with them are listed as follows: PMFT No. I = 3.319 standing broad jump + 1.596 softball throw for distance + 15.371 chins + 188.640 (standard error of estimate = 30.730) PMFT No. II = 2.124 softball throw for distance + 19.373 chins + 331.32 (standard error of estimate = 34.373) PMFT No. III = 1.653 softball throw + 5.437 standing broad jump + 91.700 (standard error of estimate = 43.209) PMFT No. IV = 6.097 standing broad jump + 15.858 chins + 174.130 (standard error of estimate = 43.633) A meaningful physical education profile scale was also developed.