Body Composition, Anthropometric Measurements, and Physical Fitness Vary with Yin-Yang Temperament in Female University Students

Abstract

Background: No studies have objectively assessed the relationship between body characteristics and Yin-Yang temperament in East-Asian traditional medicine. Here, we determined body composition, anthropometric measurements and physical fitness in individuals with different Yin-Yang temperament, using the Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Methods: This study included 772 female university students. Those scoring in the lower 30% of SPQ scores were placed in the Yin group (226 subjects) and those scoring in the upper 30% in the Yang group (226 subjects). Bioimpedance analysis was used to determine total body water, protein mass, minerals, muscle mass, lean body mass, soft lean mass, body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio, body mass index (BMI), obesity, and basal metabolic rate (BMR). Anthropometric variables were height, weight, and BMI. Physical fitness variables were muscular strength (grip, back strength), agility (tapping), muscular endurance (sit-ups), power (standing long jump), flexibility (trunk flexion), and cardiovascular endurance (Harvard step). Differences between groups were analyzed using a t-test. Results: Total body water, protein mass, minerals, soft lean mass, lean body mass, and BMR were significantly higher in the Yang group than in the Yin group (p < 0.05). Weight, height, BMI, back strength, muscular endurance, and power were also significantly higher in the Yang group than in the Yin group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study is the first to show that physical traits vary according to Yin-Yang temperament. These data serve as a basis for systematic health management, physical fitness management, and exercise prescription according to Yin-Yang temperament.