Abstract

Background: Aerobic capacity (VO max) measures the higher limit of energy content in the muscles. In general, genetics 2 of an individual decides the higher limit of the muscle, but physical training can improve it by up to 20% as compared to non- trained individuals. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate oxygen dependent fitness (aerobic capacity) in pre-collegiate boys (age group of 16-18 years) of North Karnataka region.
Materials and Methods: A total of 87 young adolescent healthy pre-collegiate boys volunteered for this study. Physical anthropometric parameters such as body surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BF%); physiological parameters such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure; fitness tests such as physical fitness index (PFI) and aerobic capacity (VO max) were measured. Correlation analysis and 2 Z-test was used to obtain the data.
Results: Physical anthropometric parameters of the subjects were found within normal range. Statistically significant exercise-induced rise in blood pressure was observed in Harvard step test. PFI correlated with aerobic capacity. Aerobic capacity correlated with BSA and did not correlate with BF% and BMI. Conclusion: The PFI was in good category, normal physiological response to exercise, and PFI correlated with aerobic capacity (VO max). 2 Aerobic capacity was found within the normal range in pre-collegiate boys of age 16-18 years in the study area. Ideal BMI may not be possible in this age group.