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Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT07574424

Normative Values For Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is a critical determinant of functional independence, disease prevention, and overall health. While global normative values for various fitness parameters exist, cultural, demographic, and ethnic differences necessitate the development of localized reference standards. This study aims to establish normative values for key fitness indicators-body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and flexibility.

It will be a descriptive cross-sectional study with approximately 800 participants through non-probability convenience sampling at Community Centers, Lahore. Fitness assessment will include body composition (height, weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio, skinfold, body fat analyzer), muscle strength (handgrip via dynamometer, quadriceps strength via sit-to-stand test), flexibility (sitand-reach test), and endurance (push-up, curl-up, and 3-minute step tests). The expected outcomes will provide valuable normative data to support clinicians, therapists, and researchers in evaluating and promoting physical health in adult populations.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Adults Behavior Motor Activity

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Riphah International University, Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

Physical fitness is a critical determinant of functional independence, disease prevention, and overall health. While global normative values for various fitness parameters exist, cultural, demographic, and ethnic differences necessitate the development of localized reference standards. Pakistan lacks comprehensive normative data for physical fitness parameters in adults, making clinical assessment and health promotion strategies less precise. This study aims to establish normative values for key fitness indicators-body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and flexibility.

It will be a descriptive cross-sectional study with approximately 800 participants through non-probability convenience sampling at Community Centers, Lahore. Participants will be screened for inclusion using the PAR-Q questionnaire. Fitness assessment will include body composition (height, weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio, skinfold, body fat analyzer), muscle strength (handgrip via dynamometer, quadriceps strength via sit-to-stand test), flexibility (sitand-reach test), and endurance (push-up, curl-up, and 3-minute step tests). The study ensures standardized protocols per American College of Sports Medicine guidelines and ethical approval from the institutional board. The expected outcomes will provide valuable normative data to support clinicians, therapists, and researchers in evaluating and promoting physical health in adult populations. These findings may enhance physical activity promotion, musculoskeletal health evaluations, and public health policymaking in Pakistan.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy adults aged 18-65 years
  • Physically active individuals based on IPAQ
  • Current healthy adults (subjects recruited by filling PAR_Q test)
  • No history of recent injury or surgery

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals with neurological or orthopedic impairments
  • History of cardiovascular or pulmonary disorders
  • Participants with upper/lower limb limitations affecting muscle function
  • Smokers or participants on medication affecting musculoskeletal performance
  • Pregnant Females

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Sit-Up/Curl-Up Test

    Time frame: Baseline

    Muscular endurance: Sit-Up/Curl-Up Test is administered to evaluate of the abdominal and hip flexor muscles participants will lie in a supine position on a mat with knees bent at approximately 90 degrees and arms crossed over the chest (or hands reaching toward the knees for curl-ups). On the "go" signal, participants will perform as many controlled repetitions as possible within one minute, ensuring proper form and full range of motion in each repetition. The total number of correctly completed repetitions is recorded and compared to age- and gender-specific normative values

  2. Queen's college step test

    Time frame: Baseline

    Cardiorespiratory fitness: will be assessed by the Queen's college step test (reliability = 0.92, validity = 0.75) will be used to estimate the VO2max. The step test will be performed using a tool of 16.25 inches height. Stepping will be performed for a total duration of 3 minutes at the rate of 22 steps per minute for females and 24 steps per minute for males which will be set by a metronome. After completing the stepping, the subject remains standing, wait 5 seconds, take a 15s heart rate count and multiply the HR by 4 to convert into beats per minute. following equation is used to predict VO2max.

  3. body composition fat analyzer

    Time frame: Baseline

    Body composition will be measured by the body composition fat analyzer is a device that breaks down weight into its core components: fat, protein, minerals, and body water.

  4. skinfold caliper

    Time frame: Baseline

    Skinfold thickness will be assessed at five anatomical sites: Biceps, Triceps, calf, abdomen, and thigh using a standardized skinfold caliper to estimate body fat percentage through validated prediction equations such as the Jackson & Pollock or Siri formula.

  5. handheld dynamometer

    Time frame: Baseline

    Muscular strength will be measured using a handheld dynamometer where participants will perform maximal isometric contractions with each hand three times, and the highest value from three trials will be recorded. For lower body strength, quadriceps strength will be assessed using a chair sit-tostand test

  6. Sit-and-Reach Test

    Time frame: Baseline

    Flexibility will be assessed by the Sit-and-Reach Test will be performed. Participants will sit on the floor with legs fully extended and feet placed flat against a standard sit-and-reach box. With hands placed one over the other, they will reach forward along the measuring scale as far as possible while maintaining straight knees. The farthest point reached by the fingertips is measured in centimeters and recorded. Two or three trials may be taken, with the best score used for analysis. Higher scores indicate greater flexibility.

Secondary outcomes

  1. stadiometer

    Time frame: Baseline

    height (m2) will be measure through stadiometer

  2. weighing scales

    Time frame: Baseline

    weight (kg) will be measure through weighing scale.

  3. Body Mass Index

    Time frame: Baseline

    BMI will be calculated dividing weight by height (m2).

  4. measuring tape

    Time frame: Baseline

    Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) will be measure through it

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Normative Values For Physical Fitness Among Healthy Adults

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 7, 2026
Registry last updated
May 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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