Abstract
International Journal of Agricultural Research and Multidisciplinary Research Trends, 2026;1(3):08-10
A comparative study of mental health and physical fitness factors among rural and urban rowers
Abstract
A comparative research method was adopted to verify the hypotheses formulated for the study titled "A Comparative Study of Mental Health and Physical Fitness Factors among Rural and Urban Rowing Athletes". A total of 60 male rowing athletes from rural and urban areas of Nashik district were selected using a random sampling method, this cohort comprised 30 athletes from the rural areas of Niphad Taluka and 30 athletes from Nashik city. All participants were athletes competing within Nashik District. The rural athletes selected for the study were undergoing regular training at the Saikheda Boating Club in Niphad, while the urban athletes were training at the K.T.H.M. College Boating Club in Nashik. In selecting the variables, the researcher conducted an in-depth review of available scientific literature, research articles, journals, magazines, and reference books. Based on their relevance, 'Mental Health' was selected as the psychological variable, while 'Cardiovascular Endurance and Muscular Endurance were selected as the physical fitness variables. To measure these variables, standardized tests were employed under the guidance of sports experts. The Arun Kumar Singh and Alpana Sen Gupta Mental Health Questionnaire, the Kenneth Cooper 12-Minute Run/Walk Test and Bent-Knee Sit-up Test. Rowing athletes from rural areas were undergoing regular training at the Saikheda Boating Club in Niphad, while those from urban Nashik were training at the K.T.H.M College Boating Club in Nashik. Permission was obtained in writing after meeting the managers and coaches of these clubs. Once permission was secured, the researcher briefed the athletes about the study and the tests involved. Data was collected between March 1 and March 10, 2026, during morning sessions scheduled according to the athletes' convenience using standardized questionnaires and tests. An independent sample t-test was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed a significant difference in the test performance regarding physical fitness and mental health parameters between rural and urban rowing athletes. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the mental health of urban rowers is superior to that of rural rowers. Regarding physical fitness components, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in the 'circulatory endurance' variable (measured by the 12-minute run-walk test), where rural rowers outperformed urban rowers. Additionally, a significant difference was noted in 'muscular endurance' (assessed via the bent-knee sit-up test), with urban rowers outperforming rural rowers.
Keywords
Rowers, mental health, and physical fitness components
Licence
Licensed under CC BY 4.0. The authors retain copyright. The content is peer-reviewed for academic purposes, and readers should verify information before use. The journal is not liable for any errors or consequences arising from the use of this article. 
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