Effect of 8-Week Intermittent Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition of Male Adolescent Students in Dawakin Kudu, Kano State

Abstract

Physical inactivity is evidently linked to metabolic diseases leading to increased risk of morbidity and mortality from various causes. Aerobic exercise is one of the tools for decreasing sedentary levels, as well as improving health markers and cognitive abilities. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of eight week intermittent aerobic exercise on body composition variables of male adolescent secondary school (S.S) students of G.S.S  Yankatsari, Dawakin Kudu (DKD) local Government Area (LGA), Kano State. Population consisted of all the adolescent boys between the ages of 14-18years (n =1,200) in G.S.S Yankatsari DKD. 60 male adolescent were randomly sampled and assigned into A&B 30 each. Group were subjected into 8-weeks intermittent aerobic exercise (n=30) intermittenwhich is jogging characterized by repetition of work at interval with recovery periods following each repetition to elevate body temperature and physiological functions. while B group (n=30) as control.  Anthropometric profiles measured were % BF, FP and LBM. null hypotheses were formulated and tested at an alpha level of 0.05. Analysis of Variance One way (ANOVA) determined the significant differences between the 2 groups. Result revealed that 8-week intermittent aerobic exercise elicited significant changes in body composition by improving (reduced) % BF of the Experimental group from (9.4105±2.14to 5.49±1.39), it also significantly changes body composition by improving (decreased) the body FP of the Experimental group from (41.7435±.18 to 41.4160±108) and improve LBM (42.13±7.99 to 41.7±18) compared to control group. Kano State ministry of Education should collaborate with Health professionals and Exercise Scientists) to help create additional services to adolescent students in schools with a view to engage in exercises for maintaining desirable body composition which can lead to healthier living