Investigation of aerobic capacity in first year medical students

Abstract

Objective: Measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness in young medical students can be more than just a checkup, carrying educational and motivational values and attitude forming. Aerobic capacity (VO₂max) is believed to be most reliable parameter of physical fitness and cardiorespiratory health. Method: VO₂max was evaluated in the students employing submaximal exercise one stage step test, in age matched boys and girls students of first year MBBS enrolling from nationwide domains. 20 each males and females of 18-19 year age were selected with due criteria to take Queens College step test, after converscence. VO₂max estimation was indirect from post exercise recovery heart rate. Results: Boys exhibited higher aerobic capacity than girls. The body mass indices (BMI) of boys and girls do not differ but higher BMIs associated with insignificant yet consistently lower aerobic capacities. Estimated VO₂max in studied sample of medical students finds rating just as fair in prevalent standards. Conclusion: The findings in entrant medical students drawn from nationwide residences emphasize the need for administration of regular exercise programmes in the medical student community toward improved cardio respiratory fitness, better performance and quality of life.