Physical and Cardiorespiratory fitness of undergraduate male medical students

Abstract

1)Assessment of physical fitness, Cardio-respiratory fitness 2) To assess the chances of developing obesity in medical students 3) If their fitness is already affected, suggest interventions to improve it and to prevent further harm. Methods: Present study was carried out in young apparently healthy 100 medical students (aged 18-22) .We studied body mass index (BMI) and depending on it students were divided into 5 groups (Underweight, Normal, overweight, preobese and obese). Maximum aerobic power (VO ₂ max- measured from Queens College Step test), maximum anaerobic power (PAP- measured from vertical jump test), waist/hip ratio (W/H),trunk flexibility and mobility (assessed by modified sit and reach test), resting heart rate and blood pressure, skin fold thickness measured by varnier calliper and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured. Results were computed as mean and standard deviation. By applying one way ANOVA results were compared. Results: Compared to normal group underweight group had significant low values of waist circumference, hip girth, skin fold thickness and PAP. Overweight, Preobese and obese group had higher values of skin fold thickness, W/H ratio, resting heart rate, blood pressure and PAP. Whereas VO ₂ max was not significantly reduced probably due to smaller sample size of these groups compared to normal (50 % of total). Conclusions: Medical students have sedentary lifestyle and incidence of obesity is increasing (present study 38/100). Modification of sedentary life style and increasing physical activity will improve cardiorespiratory fitness of the medical students. Students were advised to do the required changes in their day to day activities.