Constructing and Updating of Physical Fitness Norm for women and men aged 18-60 in Ahvaz city

The aim of this investigation was to assess and constructing of physical fitness norm for men and women aged 18-60 in Ahvaz city. 682 subjects (women =365 and men =317) of Ahvaz city with an average height of 160.9 ±6.6 and 175 ± 8.8 (cm) and weight of 69.14 ±14.1 and 78.9± 12.5 (kg) voluntarily participated in the present study. Research variables included anthropometric, body composition and physical fitness. The results indicated that the weight of women was 69.0 ±14.1 (kg) less than men 78.9 ±12.5 (kg). WHR in women and men were 0.82 ± 0.07 and 0.87 ±0.06, respectively. The fat percent in women and men were 38.2 ± 5.1 and 19.1±7.1, respectively. women and men in cardiovascular fitness 37.1 ±10.2 and 44.1 ± 6.7 (ml/kg/min), shoulder girdle endurance 22.2±11.5 and 41.4±16.4, abdominal muscle endurance 24.0±12.4 and 37.4±10.7, hand grip 47.4 ±11.7 and 45.3 ± 17.7 and trunk flexibility 32.5±7.8 and 29.8±7.2 (cm) were in good condition. In all age groups, weight, cardiovascular fitness, shoulder girdle endurance and abdominal muscle endurance in women were lower than men While fat percent and flexibility in women was higher than men. In addition, WHR and hand grip strength in women, with the exception of the age group of 30-39 years, were lower and higher than men, respectively. In compared to the existing norms the result determined most women and men in Ahvaz, despite good physical fitness, in body of fat percentage are at high and moderate risk of obesity-related diseases, respectively.