DOI: https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2022161284 ORIGINAL ARTICLE 84 P J M H S Vol. 16, No. 12, December, 2022 Comparison of Physical Performance Measures of Flexibility, Strength and Balance of School Students with University Students MISHKAT FATIMA 1 , SABA RIAZ 2 , SYEDA NIMRA AMIR 1 , SAHAR SHOAIB 1 , MAHEERA SALEEM 1 , LAIBA IMRAN 1 , LAIBA AMIR 1 1 Student Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Management and Technology, Lahore. 2 Lecturer, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Management and Technology, Lahore Pakistan. Correspondence to Dr. Saba Riaz, Email: sabariaz317@gmail.com ABSTRACT Aim: To find out variation in flexibility, strength and balance of university and school students on their dominant and non- dominant sides. Study design: A Cross section study. Place and duration of study: Data was collected from Lahore Grammar School (LGS), Al’Ala school and University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore. After approval of synopsis (RE-092-2021) the data collection was done from the duration of 10 th November 2021 to 15 th February 2022. Methodology: A cross section study conducted on healthy school and university students. The data was collected by non- probability convenient sampling. After verbal Informed consent the data was obtained from school students of grade 7-10 from Lahore Grammar school and Al’Ala international Islamic school and undergraduate’s students of UMT by using convenient sampling. Physical performance tests for measuring strength (sit-ups), flexibility (Zipper, sit and reach, dorsiflexion) and balance (Flamingo test) were demonstrated and were asked to perform. Readings were taken of each test. Results: Sit ups excellent results were reported in majority of university students (36%). Sit and reach test was found better in university (32%), zipper test positive results were better in school students. Dorsiflexion test normal values were more in university (18%). Flamingo test showed 45% university students had good balance. There was statistically significant difference in zipper (P=0.004), flamingo (P=0.036) on non-dominant side and sit and reach dominant (P=0.006) and non-dominant side. Practical implication: The normative data of physical performance measures can help prevent injuries, as these can be used as a reference to detect poor health and lethargy at school and university level. These measures can be used as a reference for primary prevention among university going and school going students. Conclusion: Both groups showed good physical performance measures. Flexibility test showed better results in School students. Strength test showed better result in university students whereas, balance test reported better in school students. Keywords: Balance, Flexibility, Limb dominance, musculoskeletal injuries, Physical activity, Strength, INTRODUCTION Physical fitness (PF), as an important health marker, affects the physical and mental health in the early and later life 1 . The improvement of fitness such as muscular strength, flexibility, balance is shown to be able to reduce the high rates of injuries related to musculoskeletal system. The strategies that are used to prevent injuries include those exercises that target strength, balance and flexibility and there is marked depletion in injuries if we are adhered to them and are performed properly 2 . Physically active people have a better body composition and have fewer health issues. Participation in sports and physical activities during children has long been recognized as beneficial to overall public health 3 . Notwithstanding of age physical activity has numerous benefits counting those prevention against injuries and infections. It too permits change of musculoskeletal condition, muscle quality and strength decreasing the hazard of heart diseases and carcinogenic changes improving psychophysical condition 4 . According to the principle of training specificity flexibility training enhances muscle flexibility whereas strength training develops muscular strength 5 . Insufficient flexibility and strength will have devastating effects on body and will cause muscle tiredness which will lead to incapacity of muscle to protect them from serious damage. Balance is a necessary motor capacity to achieve many motor skills. The children and adult having good static and dynamic balance can perform well in sports activities also in activities of daily living. Any failure between motor and balance skills increases the risk of falling hazard and physical injury even for healthy children during participations in sports activities 6 . Muscle strength testing is an important aspect of the physical examination procedure. In order to evaluate the impairments impeding the daily functional tasks of children it is essential to assess their strength accurately 7 . ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Received on 14-07-2022 Accepted on 23-11-2022 Flexibility is also defined as ability to move a body segment. Individuals with flexibility have been praised for their ability to successfully accomplish daily activities. Previous research has linked decreased flexibility and mobility to a higher chance of falling, as well as difficulty executing and maintaining motor activities. Soft-tissue degeneration may develop, which may reduce neuromuscular function 8 . Having good balance is important for daily life activities and plays an important role in preventing falls. A good balancing system provides you with greater energy and strength, as well as allowing you to move more confidently and freely 9 . The purpose of the study is to evaluate physical performance measures (flexibility, strength and balance). These normative values can be used to prevent injuries, as these can be used as a reference to detect poor health and lethargy at school and university level. These measures can be used as a reference for primary prevention among university going and school going students. METHODOLOGY A cross section study conducted on healthy school and university students. The data was collected by non-probability convenient sampling. Data was collected from Lahore grammar school (LGS), Al’Ala international Islamic school and university of management and technology (UMT), Lahore. After approval of synopsis (RE- 092-2021) the data collection was done from the duration of 10 th November 2021 to 15 th February 2022. Sample Size & Sampling technique: Sample size was calculated by formula X = Z 2* p (1-p)/e 2. To calculate a proportion with a 95% level of confidence and a margin of error of 5% we obtained 100 sample size 10 . Inclusion criteria: School students of 7-10 grade of Lahore grammar school and Al’Ala school, both genders, with age group 13-17 years and undergraduates’ health sciences students from