This question was attempted by many candidates and their performance was poor.  In part (a)   candidates wrote wrong answers by writing: it leads to postural defects, e.g. lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, flat foot and k-leg.

In part (b) candidates misconstrued the question with components of physical fitness such as agility, coordination, flexibility, endurance, power, strength, speed, balance, cardio-respiratory humidity, mental alertness and emotional stability.

The expected answers were as follows:                                       

7 (a)  Effects of poor posture

•    muscle tone is reduced
•    psychologically harmful/the person appears unattractive
•    impairment of blood circulation and lymph/retention of fluid in the ankles/ankles     become swollen
•    poor functioning of the digestive tract due to sagging abdomen/named e.g. heart burn, loss of appetite, constipation
•    poor functioning of the lungs due to cramped chest/difficulty in breathing
•    head hanging forward/bent trunk/result in common deformity
•    strain on muscles/early fatigue
•     inhibits performance in physical activities
•     lowers the diaphragm and stretches the heart

 (b)       Factors influencing physical fitness
           

•    heredity
•    training/exercise
•    age
•    health status/condition
•    psychological factor – interest, courage, determination
•    weight/height/body type
•    nutrition
•    occupation
•    sex
•    health habits – proper rest, relaxation, sleep, medical and dental care