Influence of School-Based Aerobic Exercise Programme on the Obesity Indices of Female NCE Student Federal College of Education, Okene

Abstract

The need to make provision for College students with adequate and effective physical fitness programme targeted at improving their fitness level and reducing the incidence of obesity has been the focus of exercise scientists in recent times. The study was therefore conducted to asses the influence of school based Aerobic programme/training on the obesity indices of female NCE students in Federal College of Education Okene. One hundred and twenty college female students were randomly selected out of one thousand, two hundred and sixty NCE  female students. Specially designed training programmes as dancing and 12 minutes brisk walking before the commencement of morning lectures while 20 minutes aerobic dance session after the 4pm lectures, 4 times a week was conducted for 6 weeks. The obese indices of  Age, Height, weight, were measured. The Body mass index (BMI) was determined by using the weight by height squared using the formular BMI = W/h². The findings showed  Age  f= 5.94 >3.06 (0.05) Height f= 21.19 >3.06 (0.05) weight f= 21.08 > 3.06 (0.05).there was significant response by way of high reduction in such variables like percent body fat f= 245.56 > 3.06 (0.05) and the body mass index f= 14.93 > 3.06 (0.05) and blood pressure measurement systolic  f= 2.394< 3.06 (0.05) Diastolic f=4.58 > 3.06 (0.05) and Resting heart rate f= 13.50 > 3.06 (0.05) after 6 weeks aerobic training programmes. As a result of the findings, the physical / physiological variables have a significant impact on aerobic training for sedentary female students.   It was therefore recommended that regular physical activity (aerobic exercise) should be adopted for obese female students so as to derive maximum physical fitness benefit. More facilities should also be provided for the teaming student population visiting the college gymnasium.