Abdominal Muscular Strength Endurance: Normative Reference Values for Children 11 to 15 Years of Age

Introduction: One minutesitups is one of the most popular standardized test which is used to measure the muscular strength endurance of the abdominal muscles. Objective: To develop the norms for 1 minute Situptest for Indian youth aged 11-15 years. Methodology: For the purpose of the study a sample of 5000 male (13.14 ± 1.316 years) and 4000 female (13.31 ± 1.163 years) school going students were selected for the study. One minutesitups was used for measuring abdominal muscular endurance. Various statistical method were opted for analysing the relationship between the variables, normalization and visualization of data and the development of norms. Results and Discussions: The results of the study indicated significant differences (p value < 0.05)in male category across all the age groups. Whereas, in female category there were only 3 significant differences (out of 10) found between age 14 – 15, 14 – 13 and 14 – 11. It shows that the muscular strength endurance for male students changed significantly across these 5 years as compared to female students, which were found to be more consistent. Urban students (Male and Female) were also found to be significantly higher in muscular strength endurance than rural students. Applications: Norms are necessary to test, compare, analyze and evaluate one’s strengths and weaknesses. The norms will guide and direct the Indian youth about their muscular endurance status. It will also help coaches and trainers to design a training plan accordingly. Conclusion: Urban students are better than rural students in one minutesitups. Due to the physiological differences, the muscular strength endurance for male students was greater in all terms than the female students. Norms were developed for the Indian youth aged 11 – 15 years.