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Article Title: Physical Characteristics and Fitness Level of Secondary School Students in Kwara State, Nigeria
by Surajudeen Tosho Bakinde, Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, Olusesi Bennett Ajayi-Vincent, and Tajudeen Olarewaju Ibrahim

Abstract:
This study investigated physical characteristics and fitness level of secondary school students in Kwara State, Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select 80 students from public and private secondary schools. An experimental research design was carried out, using standardized instruments to take measurements on physical characteristics and fitness level of the subjects. The data gathered were analysed by descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentage to analyse the bio-data and research questions, while inferential statistics of t-test was employed to analyse the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Findings revealed that, no significant differences existed between the students of public and private secondary schools in their fore arm length, height and arm spam length. Whereas, there are differences existed between students of public and private secondary schools in their weight, cardio-respiratory endurance and muscular endurance. It was recommended that physical assessment and screening should be carried out by health educators in school on a regular basis among the secondary school students, so as to quickly detect any deviation from normalcy, fitness program should be included in the school curriculum to make students fit for their daily activities and parents should advise their children on the benefit of spot day and leisure time should be meticulously used.

Keywords: physical characteristics, fitness level, secondary school students, weight, forearm height, arm spam, cardio respiratory endurance, muscular endurance.

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