Abstract:

In this study, the associations between sedentary and nonsedentary lifestyles with certain anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters were investigated. The study populations consisted of four hundred (n = 400) randomly selected sedentary and non-sedentary adult male subjects in the age group of 25 – 55 years, from the Nnewi community, who satisfied the inclusion criteria. They were grouped in three (3) groups consisting of Group A (25 – 35 years), Group B (36 – 45 years), and Group C (46 – 55 years). Out of which 207 were sedentary and 193 were non-sedentary subjects. Anthropometric parameters such as: weight (kg), height (cm), waist circumference (cm), hip circumference (cm), and mid arm circumference (cm), and cardiovascular parameters [systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)] were measured. Results showed a statistically significant increase in anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters in sedentary subjects compared to non-sedentary subjects. There was, however, a significant positive correlation of waist circumference (coefficient = 0.161) than hip circumference (coefficient = 0.158). Among sedentary subjects, only waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) had a significant positive correlation with diastolic blood pressure (coefficient = 0.181, p < 0.01). This study provides clear evidence that there is a linear relationship between physical activities and health status among individuals wich can help in forensic identification.

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