Constructing of Health-Related Physical Fitness Norms for Women Aged 18-60 in Alborz Province

The purpose of this study was to construct the health-related physical fitness norms for women aged 18-60 in Alborz province. 255 women (Height, 159.0±5.0 cm; Weight, 71.3±10. 6 kg; BMI, 28.1±4.1 kg/m2) were systematically selected as subjects. Aerobic fitness was measured using the Rockport test, strength by using a handgrip dynamometer, body composition by using a caliper. Muscular endurance was measured using sit up and push up tests, and the sit and reach test was used to assess the flexibility. The physical fitness norms were obtained by calculating the percentile of data for each variable. The results showed that the mean value of different variables as follows: cardiovascular endurance 21.7 ml/kg/min, body fat percentage 34.5%, right hand-grip strength 21.3 kg, left hand-grip strength=20.2 kg, abdominal muscular endurance 7 curl-up, muscular endurance of shoulder girdle 1.7 push-ups. Comparing the norms with corresponding norms in other countries revealed the facts about the physical fitness of the 18-60 aged women of Alborz province which, the body composition isn’t at a good status and the aerobic fitness is very weak. Moreover, the muscular endurance norms are significantly lower than that of other countries. Therefore, the lack of physical activity can be clearly observed among the young and middle-aged women in Alborz province and it is crucial to take appropriate action regarding this matter.