Regular assessment of physical and cardiovascular markers of health can provide useful information on the quality of life, overall health and well-being of university students. This study evaluated the physical and cardiovascular health markers of undergraduate at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, through norm-referenced comparisons.
Utilising a cross-sectional design to select 500 participants, the study compared several key health markers; fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), body fat percentage (%BF), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂Max), resting heart rate (RHR), and muscular strength (MS) against established norm values. Standardized instruments were used for all measurements, and the study adhered to ISAK and WHO protocols. Data were collected using glucometers (ACCU-CHEK, Germany) for FBG, an Omron digital sphygmomanometer (Omron-M6, China) for BP and RHR, Harpenden skinfold calipers (UK) for body fat percentage, and electronic hand dynamometer (Camry EH101, China) for muscular strength. VO₂Max was estimated using the UTH-Sørensen-Overgaard-Pedersen formula, based on heart rate data. All the data was normally distributed as indicated by Kolmogorov -Smirnov test (p ≥ .05).
Findings revealed significant differences between the sample and norm reference values. Students exhibited elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (132.27 mmHg and 91.54 mmHg), classifying them as pre-hypertensive, and body fat percentages, especially among female students, exceeded recommended ranges (31.32% compared to 18–28%). Both male and female students’ demonstrated suboptimal VO₂Max levels (37.81 ml/kg/min and 29.29 ml/kg/min, respectively), indicating poor cardiovascular fitness. Muscular strength was also found to be below the expected norms, with male students averaging 41.6 kg and female students 23.2 kg. However, FBG levels were normal (90.70 ± 6.65 mg/dL).
The study concludes that there are significant health concerns, particularly hypertension and excessive body fat in female students. Regular fitness assessments, promoting physical activity through campus-wide programmes, and addressing stress and lifestyle factors through targeted interventions is recommended. .