4. Original Scientific Paper
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare physical fitness parameters of Interscholastic Football teams participating in schools’ sports competition at national level from different States and ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Study groups (Aksum-TG, Hossana-HD, Jimma-OR, Gondar-AM, Sodo-WL, Gambella-GM, and Jigjiga-SM) were selected based on ethnic and demographic characteristics using stratified random sampling technique. Published table of sample size for ±5% precision levels where confidence level is 95% was used to determine sample size. A total of (N=140) one hundred forty participants with mean age 19.77 and Std. deviation ±1.121 were tested. All the twenty (20) footballers in each team were participated in the study. A total of four variables were assessed both in the exam room and in the field. Agility and Speed (AgSp) was assessed using a 20m-Agility-Shuttle Test from a stationary start and the maximum time scored using Standard Stop Watch. To assess Upper Body Muscle Strength and Endurance (UMSE), Cadence (90o Push-Up) Test was administered using audio cadence provided by cooper institute. The Vertical Jump was an excellent measure of lower body power administered to assess hip and leg Explosive Power (EPw). To measure lower Back and Hamstrings Muscles Flexibility (BAHMF), Sit-and-Reach Test was given. SPSS; version 20.0 was used for the data analysis. To compare means differences, One-Way Analysis of Variance (“F” Ratio) was applied. To test the significant mean difference LSD Post Hoc Test was applied. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The results indicated that on all variables, significant difference were found where Aksum-TG, Hossana-HD, and Jimma-OR showed superior performances followed by Gondar-AM and Sodo-WL. Gambella-GM and Jigjiga-SM were the least performers on the Tests provided. It has been concluded from this study that difference in physical performance exist among ethnic groups supporting similar results of recent studies (Institute of Medicine, 2012; Roos and Roos, 2012). The researcher recommended further investigation involving more physical fitness dimensions and large samples size.

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