A STUDY TO COMPARE FITNESS LEVELS BETWEEN FEMALE SPORTS PLAYERS OF PRE MENARCHE PHASE AND MENARCHE PHASE

The average age of menarche has declined over the last century. The timing of menarche is influenced by female biology, as well as genetic and environmental factors, especially nutritional factors. Puberty is associated with increased body mass index, insulin resistance, total number of metabolic syndrome components and hence increased cardiovascular risk. girls with early menarche exhibit elevated blood pressure and glucose intolerance compared with later maturing girls, independent of body composition. Physical activity may lead to early puberty. So the study was aimed to compare the fitness levels in female sports players of pre menarche and menarche phase.100 females were included in the study. Group 1 consisted of 50 females in pre menarche phase and Group 2 consisted of 50 females in menarche phase .Sits ups, quadrant jump, vertical jump, sit and reach and 3 min step test were performed in both the groups and compared. There was a significant difference observed in the results of pre menarche and menarche phase female sports players with later showing high strength, agility and flexibility. Thus menarche may be associated with higher physical fitness than pre menarche.