Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: Physical activity plays an important role in quality of life and body composition.This study amid to evaluate physical activity and its effect on body composition and quality of life.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and approved by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) ethical committee.A total of 101 women from employees of KUMS were recruited. Data was collected using physical activity and quality of life questionnaires. Body composition was measured using Body Analyser Model PlusAvis 333. Physical fitness was evaluated using the abdominal muscles strength (sit-up), body flexibility (stretching box), cardiorespiratory endurance (running 540m) and muscle strength (dynamometer). Statistical analysis of Pierson correlation, t-test and X² tests were carried out using SPSS16 software.

Results: The results showed the mean of quality of life in physical health domain was 14.24±2.57, mental health 13.66±2.27, social communication 14.44±2.39 and environmental health 13.35±2.06. Almost 47.5% of participants were overweight and obese while 22.8% was suffering from abdominal obesity. Overall 39.6% of participants had low physical activity. Average muscle strength were 26.2±5.3 kg, running 540m time 3.5±0.98 min, sit-up 19±11.2 times per minute, and flexibility 11.5±4.2 cm. Physical fitness scores and quality of life scores in all domains were lower in overweight and obese subjects (BMI<25). There was a significant reduction in physical fitness health, mental health and running time among over weight and obese compared to normal weight subjects (p<0.05). A significant correlation was observed between BMI and percent of body fat with running time (p= 0.001).

Conclusion: The study showed that having high percent of body fat and higher BMI may relate to lower physical fitness and quality of life. An intervention to increase physical activity and fitness and reduce weight and body fat is highly recommended.

Key words: Body composition, Physical fitness, Physical activity, Quality of life

Funding: This research was funded by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences approved the study.

How to cite this article: Pasdar Y, Niazi P, Darbandi M, Khalvandi F, Izadi N. Effect of Physical Activity on Body Composition and Quality of Life among Women Staff of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2013. J RafsanjanUniv Med Sci 2014 14(2): 99-110. [Farsi]