Effect of Physical Exercise on Physiological Changes and Performances of First Year Students at Haramaya University

Abstract Physical exercise is important for maintaining physical fitness and contributes positively to maintaining a healthy weight, promoting physiological well-being, and strengthening the immune system. It is a fact that many life threatening conditions can be prevented by regular exercise. This research attempted to investigate the effects of intensified physical training on physiological changes and performance efficiencies on Haramaya University first year sport science students. An informal design (i.e. before and after without control) was applied. Twenty participants were selected from first year sport science department. Ten male and ten female students participated in different physical training programs of varying intensities for 3 consecutive months, i.e. 3 days per week and 60 minutes duration per day. Pre and post training performances and laboratory tests were conducted and analyzed for performance efficiency levels and major physiological changes. Findings of this study revealed a significant effect of physical exercise on cardio vascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and body composition as well as some physiological changes. Based on the findings, it was concluded that intensified physical training had a positive effect on performance and physiological changes of the subjects. Key words : Intensified physical training; Performance efficiency; Physiological changes