Comparative analysis of health-related physical fitness levels among the young male workers performing sedentary and heavy occupational physical activity

Abstract

Study aimed to compare the health-related physical fitness levels (HRPF) among young male workers from physically active and inactive occupation. Ninety four healthy male workers (18-30 years) were selected from 2 distinct occupational group, i.e., office (n = 46) and construction (n = 48). Constructions workers had significantly lower (p < 0.001) BMI, fat%, metabolic age (years), waist and hip circumference; and significantly higher (p < 0.001) body water % and lean body mass % as compared to office workers. Therefore, construction workers had superior back flexibility, trunk lift scores and aerobic capacity. Whereas, office workers showed significantly good performance only in hand strength. No significant difference was found for strength (pinch, explosive leg and back) and endurance (upper and core body) tests. Occupational physical activity (OPA) significantly influences the body composition, flexibility and aerobic capacity. Whereas, lack of OPA can be associated with increase in obesity, larger waist and hip circumference; and poor performance in most of the fitness test.