Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations

The effect of general physical education on health-related physical fitness factors in overweight female students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor at Department of Physical Education, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran.

2 Instructor at Department of Physical Education, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran

3 Bachelor's degree at Department of Physical Education, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purposes: One of the existing solutions to the problem of overweight in college students is to use the capacity of the general physical education class. Therefore, the aim of present study was determining the effect of the general physical education class on health-related physical fitness factors in overweight female students.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a quasi-experimental type. 28 overweight female students were randomly selected as a statistical sample from the Dr. Shariati National University of skill in Tehran, half of whom had taken the general physical education unit (experimental group). After completing the pre-test of sit-ups, modified pull-ups, sit and reach, 540-meter run, one repetition maximum (1RM), and body mass index (BMI), the participants in the experimental group participated in the general physical education class for 12 weeks. After the end of this period, the post-test was administered and the results were analyzed paired t-test and independent t-test at a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: The paired t-test showed positive changes only in the flexibility, strength, and muscular endurance factors of the experimental group (P<0.05). The independent t-test also confirmed the significance of the changes compared to the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the factors of cardiovascular endurance and body composition (P<0.05).
Discussion: Therefore, it can be stated that general physical education class can be effective on the factors of flexibility, strength, and muscular endurance of overweight female students, and the importance of their active participation in this class is emphasized.

Keywords

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Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations
Volume 2, Issue 3
September 2026
Pages 1-14