Author(s): Kanwar Mandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh and Karanjit Singh

Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to compare the anthropometric measurements and body composition components of the 12 years old rural and urban children from Punjab. Total 60 children (30 rural and 30 urban) were selected to participate in the study. Height of the subjects was measured with the stadiometer. Body mass was assessed by using the portable weighing machine. Widths and diameters of body parts were measured by using digital caliper. Girths and lengths were taken with the flexible steel tape. Skinfold thicknesses were measured with the help of Harpenden skinfold caliper. The results revealed that the urban children had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05), % body fat (p<0.01), total body fat (p<0.05), biceps (p<0.05), triceps (p<0.01) and supra-iliac (p<0.05) skinfold thicknesses as compared to rural children. The rural children had significantly greater upper arm length (p<0.01) than the urban children. In conclusion, it is evident from the results that the urban children possessed higher amount of fat.

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