A Comparative Study of Lung Capacity and It’s Relationship to Physical Fitness among Students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Zawiya

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the differences between first-year and third-year students in body composition, physiological variables, and physical fitness at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science. The study sample consisted of 60 students, equally distributed between first-year and third-year students. Measurements included body variables (weight, height, chest circumference, shoulder circumference), physiological variables (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, vital capacity), and physical fitness components (speed, leg muscle strength, agility, handgrip strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, abdominal muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance).                                                                                                                           
   The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, using the independent samples t-test to examine differences between the two groups. Results indicated statistically significant differences at the 0.01 level in age and vital capacity, with third-year students being older on average, while first-year students demonstrated higher vital capacity. Additionally, descriptive differences were observed in some physical fitness components, with third-year students outperforming in leg muscle strength, muscular endurance, and abdominal muscular endurance, whereas first-year students showed superiority in speed and cardiorespiratory endurance. No significant differences were found in other body and physiological variables, indicating homogeneity in these characteristics among the sample.                                                                                                                                 
   The study concluded that academic year has a relative effect on some body, physiological, and physical fitness variables, while other variables remain similar between groups. Based on these findings, the study recommends designing balanced training programs that consider the differences between academic years, focusing on the development of physical fitness according to each stage's needs, and promoting regular physical activity to enhance students’ overall fitness and health