Effectiveness of Brisk Walking on VO2 Max, Agility and Flexibility in Physically Inactive Children

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Physical inactivity is on the ascent in today's technology environment, and it is one of the main risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and death worldwide. It raises the risk of a broad range of lifestyle diseases. Physical inactivity is the world's fourth largest cause of death. The use of tech gadgets and transportation infrastructure may lead to a higher level of physical inactivity in children and adolescents, which has an impact on their physical fitness and academic performance. To encourage physical exercise and fitness, early intervention is required. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the effect of brisk walking on VO2 Max, agility, and flexibility in physically inactive children Methodology: Thirty subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, then divided in to two groups. Group A (Experimental group = 15) received warm up exercise, brisk walking and cool down exercises. Group B (control group = 15) does not receive any exercise. Exercise programme was held for 3 days per week for 40 minutes for 6 weeks. Pre and post measurements were taken using queen college step test for VO2 Max, agility t test and modified sit and reach test for flexibility. Results & Discussion: Paired t test is used to analyze the results within the group and independent t test were used to analyze the results between the group. The significant level kept at p ≤ 0.05. From pre to post six week intervention, a statistically significant changes were observed in all outcome measures. In paired t test VO2 Max, flexibility and agility expressed significant improvement in experimental group. In case of independent t test all the three parameters of the experimental group expressed significant improvement compared to control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that brisk walking exercise is effective in improving VO2 Max, agility and flexibility in physically inactive children. The experimental group shows significant improvement in all three parameters compared to control group. Keywords: Brisk walking, VO2 Max, agility, Flexibility, Physical inactivity, Queen college step test, modified sit and reach test, Agility t test.