ABSTRACT
This study examined the relationship
between height and heart beat of male and female students in Delta State
University, Abraka. The objective seeks to find out the relationship
between height against the heart beat of male and female students.
Calibrated stadiometer and Pulse Auximeterwas used to obtain the height
and heart beat measurement of randomly selected 90 volunteers made up of
45 male and 45 female students. Total height of the individuals were
measured in centimeters while pulse rate were obtained based on the
number of times of beat of the heart. Statistical analyzing were
conducted using mean, student t-test and Spearman rank. Results obtained
from this study revealed that there is significant difference between
Height of male and female students, there is a significant difference
between heartbeat of male and female students, the spearman correlation
showed that there is a relationship between the Height and heartbeat of
male student (r = 0.026), the spearman correlation showed that there is a
relationship between the Height and heartbeat of female student
(r=0.134) and also the result further showed significant relationship
between height and heartbeat for male student.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Variations in the values of the
measurement of the size and proportions as well asthe normal functioning
of the human body parameters are often considered as sign of good
health. Variations such as; heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral
blood flow, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure
(DBP), and so on vary from one individual to the other as result of
control of function by autonomous nervous system. Changes in
physiological function occur during adolescent spurt. For many years the
relationship that exists between different parts of the body and height
has been of great interest to anthropologist and physicians (Ozaslanet al., 2003; Fessler, 2005).
Human height or stature is the distance
from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head in a human body
standing erect. It is measured using a stadiometer usually in
centimetres when using the metric system or feet and inches when using
the imperial system (Carter, 2008). Growth has long been recognized as a
measure of the heath of individuals, hence part of the reasoning for
the use of growth charts. For individuals, as indicators of health
problems, growth trends are tracked for significant deviations and
growth is also monitored for significant deficiency from genetic
expectations. Genetics is a major factor in determining the height of
individuals, though it is far less influential in regard to differences
among populations.
According to Mohantyet al.(2012)
height is a fundamental unit used in assessing an individual’s growth
and nutrition as well as calculating their body surface. It constitutes
an essential element in the description of the human population.
Average difference height is relevant to the measurement of the health
and wellness (standard of living and quality of life) of populations
(Bolton-Smith, 2000; Ali et al., 2000; Mohantyet al., 2001).
In every human, the heart rate reflects
the speed of the heartbeat measured by the number of contractions of the
heart per unit of time that is, beats per minutes (BPM). This heart
rate can vary considerably depending on the body's physical needs,
including the need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide.
Activities that can provoke change include; physical activities, sleep,
anxiety, stress, illness, ingesting, and drugs. Marked changes in heart
rate (HR) reaction occur during physical exercise and during physical
training interventions among different sex of individuals. The changes
in HR are primarily due to alterations in autonomic tone:
parasympathetic tone slows down the HR, and sympathetic stimulation
increases it (Tapanainenet al. 2002).
The regular practice of physical
exercises is an important factor to reduce morbidity and mortality rates
of cardiovascular function and all other conditions (Myers et al., 2002).However,
there also seems to have further and independent benefits from the
practice of physical exercises and improvement of the aerobic condition
as noted by Willians, (2001). According to Jokinenet al. (2003)
the measurement of heart rate reaction has become a widely used tool
for assessing the cardiovascular autonomic function in various
physiological settings. This is because, regular physical activity
programme and good physical fitness are widely accepted as factors that
improve a number of health outcomes and reduce all-cause mortality
(Laukkanenet al. 2001).
Body height and heart rate of an
individual are important variables in the determination of the health
condition of an individual. Certain studies have shown that height is a
factor in overall health while some suggest tallness is associated with
better cardiovascular health and shortness with longevity (Samaras and
Elrick 2002). There are, however, various diseases and disorders that
cause growth abnormalities.
Gender has been reported to influence
autonomic nervous functions in relation to heart rate reaction in
physical activity. In cross-sectional studies, women have been reported
to show higher vagal modulation of heart rate reaction as compared with
men (Ryan et al. 1994). Several mechanisms or reasons may
explain the controversial results or sex differences in heart rate
reaction after aerobic training. This could result from a complex
combination of biochemical, structural, metabolic, humoral and neural
factors (Furlanet al. 1993).
The measurement of human height and
heart rate across various sex groups has often been used as major
component for estimating growth and has proven to be important strategy
in assessing antecedents of diseases such as; risks of
overweight/obesity, diabetes, hypertension, low bone density, CHD, as
well as other human pathologies that could result in morbidity and
death. Hence, this study seeks to examine the sex difference in heart
rate reaction to a specified training programme.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Data on the relationship between human
height and heart beat in Abrakato be non-available to this study
environment. Therefore, there is need to conduct a research of this kind
so as to provide certain anthropometric information onvariations in
heights and heartbeats of male and female students in the study area.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study
is to examine the relationship between height and heart beat of male
and female students. Specifically, the study seeks;
- to find out if there is any significant relationship between the average heights of male and female students in DELSU
- to find out if there is any significant relationship between the average heart beat of male and female students in DELSU
- to determine the relationship between height and heart beat of male students in DELSU
- to determine the relationship between height and heart beat of female students in DELSU
1.4 Significance of the Study
The obesity incidence has increased in
developed, developing and under development countries and such fact
cannot be only attributed to genetic factors since the human genes have
not modified lately. Habitual physical activities among humans are
complex characteristics which are determined by the interaction of
biological and psychosocial factors as well as the physical environment.
Among the younger population, physical activity plays an important role
in normal growth, maturation and development. In fact, physical
activity is a central concept in ensuring physical fitness towards
eliminating various risks of type II diabetes, hypertension and other
chronic diseases in progressively younger individuals including children
and adolescents of various sex groups. Hence, this study will be useful
in educating students, educators, athletes, parents, government and the
society at large on the benefit of regular exercise in enhancing heart
rate reaction and reducing the risk of chronic metabolic and cardio
respiratory diseases as regular physical activity for long periods may
protect the body against the development of chronic diseases.
1.5 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited in
Scope to Abraka and its environment in Ethiope East Local Government
Area of Delta State. The variables considered were; height and heart
beats as they relate to male and female students. A target sample size
of 150 subjects was measured and data obtained was statistically
analyzed using chi-square technique.