2017, Volume 9, Issue 2
Development of body morphology of Iraqi students: Sedentary way of life and fatness
Ali Dawood Al Sudani1, Włodzimierz S. Erdmann2
1University of Misan, Amarah, Maysan
2Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
Author for correspondence: Włodzimierz S. Erdmann; Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport; email: werd[at]awf.gda.pl
Full text
Abstract
The aim of the research was to compare morphology of Iraqi students of the first and
fourth years of study with mostly sedentary style of life.
The research involved 88 students of the first year of study and 88 students of the fourth year
of study of the University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Basic anthropometric measurements
were taken of the body mass, straight-linear dimensions, parts of extremities’ circumferences, skin-fat folds.
The fourth-year students had significantly greater body mass as compared to the firstyear
students. Their linear dimensions were higher, even though insignificantly; their
circumferences and skin-fat folds were significantly higher. BMI was for both groups within
a norm, but the fourth-year students had a greater value of this index.
It could be concluded that the sedentary style of life was the reason for higher values of
body dimensions, especially skin-fat folds, in students of the fourth year of study. Another
reason was probably lack of exercise and westernization of lifestyle, especially fast food
consumption. The city and university administration should establish places for all people
in order to prepare the neighbourhoods for exercising.
Key words: Iraq, students, sedentary life, body anthropometry