Resting Systolic Blood Pressure Measurements Are Higher in Division III Football Lineman at Ohio Northern University from 2001-2023
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 10:50 AM
Abstract
Introduction/Background
Evidence suggests that resting blood pressures measurements may be increased in Division I & II college football lineman when compared to other positions. Few studies have examined resting blood pressures in Division III football players.
Purpose
To determine resting blood pressure measurements in Division III college football players by position group.
Methods
Resting blood pressures, height and weight were measured in ONU football players from 2001-2023 (n=1168). Blood pressures were categorized according to hypertensive blood pressure categories. Football players were divided into three groups based on position:
- Lineman (offensive and defensive lineman)
- Athletic (running backs, tight ends and linebackers)
- Skill (wide receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks, kickers and punters)
Results
For all data, significance was set at p < 0.05. All position groups had mean systolic blood pressures > 120 mm Hg. Blood pressures were significantly different between positions (Lineman > Athletic > Skill). In addition, resting systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI) and player position. Lineman had a positive significant association with hypertensive blood pressure categories (Elevated, Stage 1 & Stage 2 hypertension) when compared to Athletic and Skill groups.
Recommended Citation
Swanson, Scott PhD; Piazza, Drayton; and Annett, Emma, "Resting Systolic Blood Pressure Measurements Are Higher in Division III Football Lineman at Ohio Northern University from 2001-2023" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 17.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/17
Open Access
Available to all.
Resting Systolic Blood Pressure Measurements Are Higher in Division III Football Lineman at Ohio Northern University from 2001-2023
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Introduction/Background
Evidence suggests that resting blood pressures measurements may be increased in Division I & II college football lineman when compared to other positions. Few studies have examined resting blood pressures in Division III football players.
Purpose
To determine resting blood pressure measurements in Division III college football players by position group.
Methods
Resting blood pressures, height and weight were measured in ONU football players from 2001-2023 (n=1168). Blood pressures were categorized according to hypertensive blood pressure categories. Football players were divided into three groups based on position:
- Lineman (offensive and defensive lineman)
- Athletic (running backs, tight ends and linebackers)
- Skill (wide receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks, kickers and punters)
Results
For all data, significance was set at p < 0.05. All position groups had mean systolic blood pressures > 120 mm Hg. Blood pressures were significantly different between positions (Lineman > Athletic > Skill). In addition, resting systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI) and player position. Lineman had a positive significant association with hypertensive blood pressure categories (Elevated, Stage 1 & Stage 2 hypertension) when compared to Athletic and Skill groups.