Maximal Muscular Power (Aerobic and Anaerobic) in African Natives

Abstract

Maximal aerobic and anaerobic power have been investigated on a group of African natives (Nilo-Hamitic and Bantu) together with some anthropometric characteristics (skinfold thickness, dimension of the limbs and various body segments). These data have been compared with similar findings on other ethnic groups as obtained from the literature. It is concluded that the body fat percentage is significantly lower in African natives, particularly in children; the maximal aerobic power, when expressed per kg of fat-free body weight, is not significantly different among different ethnic groups; the maximal anaerobic power is lower in African natives, possibly because of a different anatomy and geometry of the lower limb muscles.