Physical and academic performance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian school girls (13–15 yrs)

The study was undertaken to assess the physical and academic performance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian school girls. One hundred school going girls vegetarian (n=50) and non-vegetarian (n=50) in the age group of 13-15 years were selected purposively for the study. The data were collected through personal interview technique using the especially structured questionnaire. The general profile, status and educational details of the family, dietary habits and menarcheal profile of the subjects were collected. The height and weight of the subjects were measured by standardized methods. The BMI of the subjects were calculated and categorized accordingly. The academic performance of the girls was measured using the percentage marks obtained by the end of the academic year. Physical activity tests were conducted to assess the physical work capacity by noting the time taken and change in pulse rate after performing the activities as running (100m), jumping (25times) and touching toes (25times). In the study 32% nonvegetarian got higher scores followed by 26% of vegetarian. More than 10% vegetarian and non-vegetarian girls got lower score in academics. The mean difference in the time taken to complete the running and jumping activities came out to be non significant and the time taken to touch toes for vegetarian subjects was 80 Priyanka Pareek and Syeda Ayesha significantly lower as compared to non-vegetarian subjects. The difference was significant for the change in pulse rate after completing the running and jumping activities in both the groups, but difference was non-significant between the groups. In case of toe touching difference was non-significant for the change in pulse rate within both the groups, but difference was significant between the groups, It can be concluded as the non-vegetarian girls were found to be better physical performers. Academically, however they were better than their vegetarian correlates.