The effect of anthropometric measurements and muscle endurance of the trunk and lower extremities on anatomic body awareness in healthy individuals with different levels of physical activity

Background: The interaction between anthropometric measurements and muscular endurance and how these factors manifest in anatomical body awareness have not yet been fully investigated. It was aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity, body anthropometric measurements and endurance and anatomical body awareness in healthy individuals. Materials and methods: A total of 217 individuals aged 19–40 participated in the study. Participants were categorized into inactive (n = 65), minimally active (n = 80), and sufficiently active (n = 72) groups based on the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric measurements including shoulder, abdomen, waist, and hip circumferences were taken. Participants’ trunk muscle endurance and lower extremity endurance was assessed through various tests. Anatomic body awareness was evaluated using the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) with established validity. Results: While no significant difference in shoulder circumference measurements was found between the inactive and minimally active groups (p > 0.05), the sufficiently active group showed significantly higher shoulder circumference measurements compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed among all endurance tests between the groups (p < 0.05). Participants’ body endurance increased significantly with higher activity levels. Moreover, anatomic body awareness exhibited significant variation among the three groups (p < 0.05), with the sufficiently active group having the highest level of anatomic body awareness. Positive correlations were found between all endurance tests and anatomic body awareness (p < 0.05), as well as a positive correlation between physical activity levels and anatomic body awareness (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that physical performance and endurance increase anatomical body awareness when applied with appropriate treatment methods, can be applied for a healthier life and can be an additional application in the clinical environment.