Original scientific paper

STRUCTURE OF MORPHOLOGICAL SPACE IN FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Romana Caput-Jogunica
Sanja Ćurković

Abstract

A battery of 20 morphological measurements was taken using a sample of 101 female university students within the University Of Zagreb Faculty Of Agriculture. The selected measurements evenly reflect an existing model of the morphological space established by the International Biological Programme. An approach involving explorative factor analysis was applied to the study, and a number of significant latent dimensions were determined using the Grübler–Kutzbach (GK) criterion and orthoblique rotation. We were consequently able to interpret three factors: longitudinal dimensionality, volume and body mass analyzed in conjunction with subcutaneous fat tissue, and transversal dimensionality. Sedentary habits are highly prevalent in most European countries. Numerous studies and recent research confirm concerns over insufficient physical activity among young people as well as the increasing frequency of a phenomenon popularly called “the couch potato society.” Systematic observations of morphological measurements and the participation of university female students in physical activity have contributed to the pursuit of the aims and mission of physical education programs. Furthermore, these approaches may serve as a preventive measure designed to reduce the incidence of health problems attributed to a lack of physical activity.

Keywords

female university students; morphological space; sedentary lifestyle

Hrčak ID:

20131

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/20131

Publication date:

28.12.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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