Effects of exercise training on correlation of VO2max and anthropometric parameters, physical fitness index in young adult Indian males

Abstract

Background: The lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles in the young generation have been a matter of concern in recent days, and about 3.3% of all deaths can be attributed to physical inactivity. Aims: To assess the effects of an exercise program on correlation of VO 2 max and anthropometric parameters, Physical Fitness Index (PFI). Materials and Methods: This pilot project was carried in a time span of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital on 100 young adult male subjects. Untrained Group comprised of 100 healthy young adult males. History was recorded followed by anthropometry and clinical examination. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Resting pulse rate, blood pressure, heart rate variations during deep breathing, VO 2 max, PFI were measured. These subjects were given training of aerobic exercises for a time span of 1 year. After completion of 1 year of training, all parameters were re-evaluated. Results: BMI, pulse rate and blood pressure, were significantly lower in trained individuals. Heart rate variations during deep breathing, VO 2 max, PFI were significantly increased following training. A good negative correlation was seen between BMI and VO 2 max amongst the untrained subjects (Pearson coefficient of −0.673), which was statistically significant at P < 0.0001. However, the correlation between VO 2 max and BMI amongst the trained subjects was a weak negative correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient of −0.202. The correlation between VO 2 max and pulse amongst the trained subjects also showed a negative correlation with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of −0.271. The correlation between VO 2 max and PFI amongst the trained subjects was strong with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.792. Conclusions: Regular exercise training decrease resting pulse rate, blood pressure and increase VO 2 max, heart rate variations during deep breathing, PFI. These positive physiological outcomes of exercise and training have important implications in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and needs to be popularized among younger generations.