Comparative Assessment of Resting Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Body Temperature among Student- Athletes and Non- Athletes in Unity Schools in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Resting Heart Rate (RHR), Blood pressure (BP) and Body Temperature are three essential signs used to examine the general health and cardiovascular fitness of individuals including student- athletes and non- athletes. The aim of the study was to assess the resting heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature among student- athletes and non- athletes in unity schools in Enugu state, Nigeria. Two objectives with two corresponding research questions guided the study. One null hypothesis guided the study. A comparative cross- sectional study was adopted, using standardised instruments to take measurements on the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature of the participants. The population of the study was 5,300 male and female student- athletes and non-athletes in the two unity schools, Enugu State. A stratified random sampling technique involving 574 student- athletes and non- athletes aged 10 -17 years was used for the study. However, a total of 414 subjects were eventually assessed for the study. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of t - test was employed to test the hypotheses at.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that significant difference existed in the mean heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature among student- athletes and non – athletes with the t –cal. as 4.14 and the t – crit. as 1.96. However, teachers of physical and health education in unity schools should expand awareness and education of the values of physical activities on the improvement of one’s heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.