CHANGES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS OF HUNGARIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS

This study compared the physical fitness of Hungarian undergraduate students in 2011-2012 with the representative sample surveyed in 1997-1998. A total of 123 males and 309 females (mean age 21.19 +/- 2.19 yrs) were randomly selected in two Hungarian universities (Pecs, Kaposvar). Anthropometric data (height, weight, skinfolds, body fat percentages) were measured and the subjects performed 9 tests of the Eurofit Fitness Test Battery. The BMI, total body fat and performance in most of the fitness components (balance, agility/speed, flexibility, abdominal muscular strength, aerobic fitness of females) was higher in 1997-1998 (p < 0.05) whereas the handgrip strength and performance in Bent Arm Hanging test were significantly better in 2011-2012 (p < 0.001). These findings support interventions focusing on increasing regular physical activity among Hungarian youth.