Comparative Study of Abdominal Strength between B.P. Ed. Boys and B.Ed. Boys

Physical fitness is a general concept defined in many ways by differing scientists. Here two major categories are considered: general fitness (a state of health and well-being), and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). Physical fitness is generally achieved through correct nutrition, exercise, hygiene and rest. Physical fitness has been defined as a set of attributes or characteristics that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity. In previous years, fitness was commonly defined as the capacity to carry out the day‘s activities without undue fatigue. All movements in sports are caused by muscle contractions and, therefore, strength is a part and parcel of all motor ability, technical skills and tactical actions. Strength and strength training, therefore, assume high importance for achieving good posture and for prevention of injuries is usually overlooked which in the long run can prove harmful. Zimmermann (1989) has very rightly pointed out the positive effects of strength training on muscles, bones, joints, heart, circulatory system, metabolism and nervous system. Abdominal muscles support your posture by supporting skeletal structures, such as your pelvis and lower back. Abdominal muscles surround more than sixty percent of your lower, says The American Academy of Spine Physicians. Abdominal strength and endurance increases spinal stability and reduces your risk of spinal injury. Abdominal weakness imposes additional stress on your lower back muscles, which can hyperextend your lower spine and cause backache. Abdominal strength is most important in childhood because if he have more abdominal strength he able to do more work.

In this study forty (40) male students were selected through simple random technique by drawing lots from Department of Physical Education, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, Faizabad, U.P., and Department of Education, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, Faizabad, U.P., India as subjects for this study.

The variable selected for this study was as follows:- 1- Abdominal Strength

The following test was selected and score was considered as criterion measure for this investigation.

Abdominal strength was measured by bent knee sit-ups and performance was recorded in numbers.

Stopwatch, pen and pencil, floor mattress were used for the data collection.

The data was collected by administering the respective test i.e. bent knee sit-ups.

To compare the abdominal strength between B.P. Ed. Boys and B.Ed. Boys. The independent ‗t‖ test was applied at 0.05 level of significance.

The analysis of data on selected variable that was abdominal strength collected on forty (40) male students. Twenty (20) students from each group i.e. B.P.Ed. Boys and B.Ed. Boys from Department of Physical Education, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, Faizabad, U.P., India and Department of Education, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, Faizabad, U.P., India. The data was analyzed by independent ―T‖ test to compare the abdominal strength between B.P.Ed. Boys and B.Ed. Boys.

Table no.1 indicates mean and standard deviation of B.P.Ed. Boys is 43.40, 2.137 and B.Ed. Boys is 37.50, 2.460 and ―T‖ value is 8.096. Graphical representation of above table is made in figure no.1.

The statistical findings of the present study revealed that the abdominal strength between B.P.Ed. Boys and B.Ed. Boys are significantly different. Because B.P.Ed. Boys are participating physical activity per day due to need and requirement of the course, but B.Ed. Boys are not participating any physical activity per day (except participating intercollegiate tournaments, if any) due to their different nature of course.

Within the limitations of the present study the following conclusion was drawn: There was significant difference found in abdominal strength between B.P.Ed. Boys and B.Ed. Boys.

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Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, Faizabad, U.P., India