Anthropometric Characteristics and Physical Fitness Levels of Female Athletes in the University of Port Harcourt, South South Nigeria

Background: Physical fitness profiling is essential for optimising athletic performance and preventing sports-related injuries. Female athletes in Nigerian universities are frequently understudied, and limited geographically specific data exist for the South South region. Understanding the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and fitness indices in this population can inform sport-specific conditioning programmes. Objectives: This study aims to profile anthropometric characteristics, including body mass index, body fat percentage, and limb length, alongside physical fitness parameters such as aerobic capacity, flexibility, and muscular endurance, among female athletes at the University of Port Harcourt. Methods: Fifty female athletes from five sports disciplines will be recruited. Anthropometric measurements will follow ISAK standardised protocols. Aerobic capacity will be estimated using the 20-metre multi-stage fitness test. Flexibility will be measured via the sit-and-reach test. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA for inter-sport comparisons. Expected Outcomes: Significant inter-sport differences in anthropometric profiles and fitness levels are anticipated, with endurance athletes expected to demonstrate superior aerobic capacity and leaner body composition. Conclusion: Findings will provide baseline data to guide training and nutrition programmes for female university athletes in Nigeria's South South zone. Keywords: anthropometry, physical fitness, female athletes, University of Port Harcourt, aerobic capacity.