THE DETERMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEIGHT AND HEART BEAT OF MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS IN DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, DELSU ABRAKA

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

 Variations in the values of the measurement of the size and proportions as well asthe normal functioning of the human body parameters are often considered as sign of good health. Variations such as; heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral blood flow, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and so on vary from one individual to the other as result of control of function by autonomous nervous system. Changes in physiological function occur during adolescent spurt. For many years the relationship that exists between different parts of the body and height has been of great interest to anthropologist and physicians (Ozaslanet al., 2003; Fessler, 2005).

Human height or stature is the distance from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head in a human body standing erect. It is measured using a stadiometer usually in centimetres when using the metric system or feet and inches when using the imperial system (Carter, 2008). Growth has long been recognized as a measure of the heath of individuals, hence part of the reasoning for the use of growth charts. For individuals, as indicators of health problems, growth trends are tracked for significant deviations and growth is also monitored for significant deficiency from genetic expectations. Genetics is a major factor in determining the height of individuals, though it is far less influential in regard to differences among populations.