Harvard Step Test Research Articles

Differences in Arrhythmia Detection Between Harvard Step Test and Maximal Exercise Testing in a Paediatric Sports Population

BACKGROUND: Sport practice may elevate the risk of cardiovascular events, including sudden cardiac death, in athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions. In Italy, pre-participation screening includes a resting ECG and either the Harvard Step Test (HST) or maximal exercise testing (MET), but the relative efficacy of the latter two tests for detecting arrhythmias and heart conditions remains unclear. METHODS: This study examined 511 paediatric athletes (8–18 years, 76.3% male) without known cardiovascular, renal, or endocrine diseases. All athletes underwent both HST and MET within 30 days. Absolute data and data relative to theoretical peak heart rates, arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular) and cardiovascular diagnoses were collected. RESULTS: HST resulted in a lower peak heart rate than MET (181.1 ± 9.8 vs. 187.5 ± 8.1 bpm, p < 0.001), but led to the detection of more supraventricular (18.6% vs. 13.1%, p < 0.001) and ventricular (30.5% vs. 22.7%, p < 0.001) arrhythmias, clustering during recovery (p = 0.014). This pattern was significant in males but not females. Among athletes diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases (22.3%), HST identified more ventricular arrhythmias (26.3% vs. 18.4%, p = 0.05), recovery-phase arrhythmias (20.2% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.035), and polymorphic arrhythmias (6.1% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: HST detects arrhythmias more effectively than MET in young male athletes, especially during recovery. More ventricular arrhythmias were highlighted even in athletes with cardiovascular conditions.

The effect of the MyBFF@school program on cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese primary schoolchildren: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMyBFF@school program consisting physical activity in the formed small-sided games (SSG), nutrition and psychology education was designed to combat obesity among schoolchildren in Malaysia. It was expected to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, hence, contributing to obesity treatment and prevention. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of the MyBFF@school program on the cardiorespiratory fitness of overweight and obese primary schoolchildren.MethodsTwenty-three out of 1196 government primary schools in central Peninsular Malaysia participated in this cluster-randomized control study. Schoolchildren aged 9–11 years with a body mass index (BMI) z-score greater than + 1 SD (WHO) were eligible for the study. The intervention group participated in the MyBFF@school program while the control followed the existing standard curriculum. The primary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness using physical fitness score (PFS) measured by the modified Harvard step test. Data were collected at baseline, month-3 and month-6 and were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle using mixed linear models.ResultsA total of 954 schoolchildren completed six months follow up, with 439 (n = 439) in the intervention group (n = seven schools), while 515 (n = 515) in the control group (n = 16 schools). In the first three months, there was significant within-group PFS improvement in overall (both), girls (both) and obese (control). Comparing between-groups, the mean differences favored the control in most parameters, but were not significant: overall (-0.15(-0.75, 0.45), p = 0.83), boys (-0.07(-0.98, 0.83), p = 0.83), girls (-0.27(-1.27, 0.73), p = 0.81), overweight (-0.16(-1.28, 0.94), p = 0.97), obese (-0.05(-1.03, 0.92), p = 0.93), morbidly obese (-0.68(-2.43, 1.05), p = 0.26), urban (0.07(-0.79, 0.94), p = 0.45), and rural (-0.35(-1.34, 0.62), p = 0.30). At month-six, the within-group improvements maintained. However, the mean differences now favored the intervention group although they remained not significant: overall (0.05(-0.98, 1.07), p = 0.69), boys (0.06(-1.35, 1.46), p = 0.86), girls (0.10(-1.31, 1.51), p = 0.74), overweight (0.15(-1.07, 1.36), p = 0.93), obese (0.28(-0.98, 1.55), p = 0.75), morbidly obese (-0.79(-2.74, 1.15), p = 0.47), urban (0.61(-0.56, 1.77), p = 0.47), and rural (-0.69(-2.52, 1.14), p = 0.17).ConclusionsMyBFF@school program showed positive trend in cardiorespiratory fitness changes especially after six months. MyBFF@school intervention program has the potential to combat obesity in primary schoolchildren and should be at least six months.Trial registrationClinical trial number: NCT04155255, November 7, 2019 (Retrospective registered). National Medical Research Register: NMRR-13-439-16563. Registered July 23, 2013. The intervention program was approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia and, the Educational Planning and Research Division (EPRD), Ministry of Education, Malaysia. It was funded by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity, Endurance and Functional Status in Health Club

Objective. To find the association of physical activity, endurance and functional status in different health clubs. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 282 participants from UMT Sports Club, LDA Sports Complex, Genesis, Square Fit, and Velocity. Data collection utilized the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Harvard Step Test, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Participants provided informed consent and were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time. Results. The age range of participants was 18 to 35 years. Among the 282 participants, 190 were male and 92 were female. According to the IPAQ, 155 of the 190 male participants were classified as active, 30 as minimally active, and 5 as inactive. For the 92 female participants, 77 were active, 14 were minimally active, and 1 was inactive. The FMS indicated that 92.81% of participants had a reduced risk of injury, while 82.65% achieved a low average score on the Harvard Step Test. Conclusion. It is concluded that the cardio respiratory fitness of athlete both in male and female is adequate. Members who participate in physical activities shows that improved endurance, greater muscle strength, and better functional status compared to less active individuals.

Effects of short-term air pollution on aerobic performance and forced vital capacity (FVC): An experimental analysis

Background Problem: Nutrition plays an important role in fitness, yet there is limited understanding of how non-sporting students, particularly nutrition students, manage their fitness. This study fills the gap by exploring the relationship between physical activity, dietary habits, and fitness in this group. Research Objective: This study aims to examine the fitness profile of female undergraduate nutrition students and explore the factors associated with fitness such as physical activity level (PAL), nutritional status, and diet. Methods: To answer the research objective, a cross-sectional design was conducted, involving 114 healthy female students, aged 18-20 years old. Respondents were selected by using proportional random sampling, which enabled equal representation of each class in the study. Exclusion criteria: students have chronic disease or condition affecting physical fitness. Physical fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test, PAL was measured via an online self-administered IPAQ, nutritional status was assessed using a body mass index (BMI) calculation, and dietary data (energy and iron intakes) was assessed using 2x24 non-consecutive food records. Chi-squares or Fisher Exact tests were done to analyse the association between physical fitness and other variables. Finding and Result: We found that almost all of our respondents were at poor levels of physical fitness. There was no significant association between physical fitness and other variables such as PAL, BMI, and diet. Conclusion: This research supported previous findings that college students in health majors have poor fitness. Future studies should explore additional factors such as physiological stress, sleep pattern, or socio-economic status that may impact the fitness level of health-major students.

Exploring physical fitness, physical activity, nutritional status, and diet among female nutrition students

Background Problem: Nutrition plays an important role in fitness, yet there is limited understanding of how non-sporting students, particularly nutrition students, manage their fitness. This study fills the gap by exploring the relationship between physical activity, dietary habits, and fitness in this group. Research Objective: This study aims to examine the fitness profile of female undergraduate nutrition students and explore the factors associated with fitness such as physical activity level (PAL), nutritional status, and diet. Methods: To answer the research objective, a cross-sectional design was conducted, involving 114 healthy female students, aged 18-20 years old. Respondents were selected by using proportional random sampling, which enabled equal representation of each class in the study. Exclusion criteria: students have chronic disease or condition affecting physical fitness. Physical fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test, PAL was measured via an online self-administered IPAQ, nutritional status was assessed using a body mass index (BMI) calculation, and dietary data (energy and iron intakes) was assessed using 2x24 non-consecutive food records. Chi-squares or Fisher Exact tests were done to analyse the association between physical fitness and other variables. Finding and Result: We found that almost all of our respondents were at poor levels of physical fitness. There was no significant association between physical fitness and other variables such as PAL, BMI, and diet. Conclusion: This research supported previous findings that college students in health majors have poor fitness. Future studies should explore additional factors such as physiological stress, sleep pattern, or socio-economic status that may impact the fitness level of health-major students.

Correlation between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Endurance of the Employees in Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia

Background: Cardiovascular endurance refers to a person's ability to perform activities involving the entire body at moderate to high intensity over extended periods. Cardiovascular endurance is influenced by several factors, such as physical activity. Moderate to high-intensity physical activity trains the body to exchange oxygen more efficiently and results in enhancing cardiovascular endurance. Other factors that could contribute in cardiovascular endurance are smoking and Body Mass Index (BMI). Aims: To find the correlation between physical activity, BMI, smoking, and cardiovascular endurance among employees of Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia. Methods: It was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach that used the GPAQ physical activity questionnaire and cardiovascular endurance data that was obtained through the Harvard Step Test involving 77 educational staff employees at Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati. The analytical statistics used was Spearman’s correlation test with a significance value of p = <0.05. Results: Most of the Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati employee’s had moderate level of physical activity (44.2%) and very low cardiovascular endurance (37.7%). The analytical statistic showed a significant correlation between physical activity and cardiovascular endurance with a p-value of 0.034 and a Spearman's r of 0.242. Smoking has significant correlation with cardiovascular endurance with p value of 0.003 and Spearman’s r of 0.338. BMI showed negative and weak correlation with cardiovascular endurance with p value 0.008 and Spearman’s r -0.302. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between physical activity and cardiovascular endurance among the employees of Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia. Received: 25 September 2024 | Reviewed: 26 October 2024 | Revised: 17 November 2024 | Accepted: 30 November 2024.

Effect of cardiovascular fitness on performance metrics in Bangladeshi women cricket: a role-specific analysis employing the harvard step test

Background: Cardiovascular fitness is essential for sports performance, enabling players to endure intense training, delay fatigue, and reduce injury risk—all critical factors for achieving optimal results in competitive sports like cricket. Emphasizing inclusive health ensures that all athletes enhance their cardiovascular fitness and overall performance. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of cardiovascular fitness, assessed using the Harvard Step Test, on the performance indicators of Bangladeshi women cricketers across their respective playing roles. Method: 104 players, including 34 batters, 38 bowlers, and 32 all-rounders, were voluntarily selected from the “Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket League 2021-22”. Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated through the Harvard Step Test, and role-specific performance metrics such as strike rate, bowling economy, and dismissal rates were analyzed. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to assess differences in aerobic fitness across player roles and correlation analyses to examine the relationships between performance metrics and Harvard Step Test scores. Results: The multi-group comparison did not reveal a statistically significant difference in aerobic fitness across the playing roles, F(2, 101) = 0.668, p = 0.515. Additionally, the Harvard Step Test scores showed a weak and statistically non-significant relationship with role-specific performance metrics: strike rate (r = 0.20, p = 0.06) for batters, bowling economy (r = -0.09, p = 0.51) for bowlers, and dismissals (r = 0.10, p = 0.38) for fielders. Conclusion: Cardiovascular efficiency is similar across batters, bowlers, and all-rounders among Bangladeshi women cricketers. The Harvard Step Test score is not directly associated with role-specific performance in women's cricket. These findings suggest that training programs should adopt a holistic physical fitness approach, incorporating role-specific training to enhance the overall abilities of female cricketers and contribute to the development of women's cricket in Bangladesh.

The Effect of Harvard Step-Test and Shuttle Run-Test Training on Increasing Exercise Pulse Frequency in Junior High School Students

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effect of increasing Harvard Step-test exercise on increasing exercise pulse frequency in junior high school students; (2) to determine the effect of increasing Shuttle Run-test exercise on increasing exercise pulse frequency in junior high school students; (3) to determine the difference in the effectiveness of Harvard Step-test and Shuttle Run-test exercises on increasing exercise pulse frequency in junior high school students. The method used in this research is an experiment using Two Group Pretest-Postest Design. The samples used in this study were 46 students of Junior High School Plus Shafiyyatul Amaliyyah. The group pairing technique used was ordinal pairing. Data analysis techniques in this study used descriptive prerequisite tests and hypothesis testing. The results showed that there was a significant effect of Harvard Step-test exercise on increasing exercise pulse frequency in junior high school students with a significance value of p of 0.01. There is an effect of Shuttle Run-test exercise on increasing exercise pulse frequency in junior high school students with a significance value of p of 0.00 < 0.05. There is a difference in the effectiveness of Harvard Step-test and Shuttle Run-test exercises on increasing exercise pulse frequency in junior high school students, but not significant, as evidenced by paired t tests, the Harvard Step-test exercise group gets a mean of 44.652 for increasing student pulse frequency. While the Shuttle Run-test training group got an average of 41.792. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the Harvard Step-test exercise has a more effective pulse rate increase compared to the Shuttle Run-test exercise.

Study on Physical Fitness Index BMI and VO<sub>2</sub> Max of Physical Education Students

Physical activity is human body movement of any type, while physical education programs use physical activity to teach children how to improve and sustain an active lifestyle. One of the most crucial factors to think about when evaluating a subject's cardiorespiratory efficiency is their Physical Fitness Index (PFI). The risks involved in implementing BMI for adults also affect kids and teenagers. The term "maximal oxygen consumption capacity" (VO<sub>2</sub>max) refers to the body's capacity to consume oxygen in the skeletal muscle mitochondria at a maximum rate during vigorous full-body exercise. To investigate correlation body mass index, physical fitness index and maximal oxygen capacity (VO<sub>2</sub>max) among physical education students. The investigator was selected 36 BPED students (Male: 20 & Female: 16) from University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia. The age range of subject from 19 to 25 years. To conduct this study measured body mass index though Quetelet index, physical fitness index through Harvard step test and maximal oxygen capacity (VO<sub>2</sub>max) through Queens College Step test were considered. Conclusion of this present study were no significant relationship between physical fitness index and body mass index of male, female students and students as a whole. Significantly relationship between VO<sub>2</sub> max and body mass index for female students but in case of male and student as a whole found no relationship. Positive relationship between physical fitness index and VO<sub>2</sub> max for male students and student as a whole but in case of female found no relationship.

Pilot Study-Estimated VO2max via Modified Harvard Step Test (MHST) in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Patients Undergoing Pre-Op Rehabilitation

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury ranging from partial to full thickness tear causes much dysfunction physically and psychologically. It affects both daily & sporting activities with potential of creating long term complications such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee, functional limitations, increase in body mass index (BMI) and loss of cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important indicator for functional and fitness capacity and VO2max is used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. VO2max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during a vigorous exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is usually done on a treadmill with gaseous exchange system, a process that is time consuming, expensive and difficult to assess and not available in our public health setting. Modified Harvard step test is easy to do, cost friendly and allows mass testing to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) however there are inadequate data on ACL injury and its influence on cardiorespiratory fitness using modified Harvard step test. Method: A prospective study was done using patients attending Sports Medicine Gym Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar 2023 and data from 20 patients who were undergoing pre-ACL reconstruction rehabilitation were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to post trauma duration; (<6 months of injury and rehabilitation and >6 months injury and rehabilitation). Patients were required to do modified Harvard step test and translated into VO2max scores. Anthropometric data were also taken from patients. Results: The mean age for our study is 21.9±4.3 years. The mean VO2max for the entire participant was 43.2ml/kg/min. Mean VO2max for groups <6 months injury rehabilitation and >6 months injury rehabilitation was at 35.4±1.8 ml/kg/min and 49.0± 5.8ml/kg/min respectively. We report difference in both groups VO2max Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness is often reduced during earlier phase of injury due to inability to perform aerobic exercises. Progressive rehabilitation can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, aid in patients return to sports and reduces morbidity post operatively. Modified Harvard step test is a reliable and cost-effective method to test VO2max. It is also important to increase cardiorespiratory fitness to maintain healthy BMI.

EVALUASI KEBUGARAN JASMANI MELALUI HARVARD STEP TEST PADA MAHASISWA PENJASKESREK FKIP UNIVERSITAS ABULYATAMA

Physical fitness is the body's ability to perform an activity without feeling excessive fatigue. Students in following a series of lectures have not shown good physical fitness performance. The effort made is to evaluate physical fitness through the Harvad step test. So that students can improve their training and detect their own fitness level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physical fitness through the Harvard step test on physical education students health and recreation Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Abulyatama. This type of research is evaluative with a quantitative descriptive approach. Collecting data for this study through the Harvard step test. The population and sample of this study were 30 students of Physical Education Health and Recreation class 2022. The results showed physical fitness through the Harvard step test with an average of 33.47 (very poor), with the following details: 1) Moderate category with a frequency of 1 student (3.33%), 2) Less category with a frequency of 2 students (6.67%), and 3) Very less category with a frequency of 27 students (90.00%). The research concluded that the evaluation of physical fitness through the Harvard step test on students of physical education health and recreation of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Abulyatama was in the category of very poor

Effect of protein supplements on cardiovascular health and exercise performance of young adult males.

The modern fitness culture, propelled by celebrity influence and media exposure, has led to widespread acceptance and consumption of protein supplements, particularly among young adult males aspiring for an ideal physique. Despite the surge in usage, limited research has explored the impact of these supplements on cardiovascular health and exercise performance. This study aims to bridge this gap by clinically examining the cardiovascular system using heart rate variability (HRV) and comparing outcomes between those using protein supplements and a control group. This study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, AIIMS Raipur. The cross-sectional study involved 60 young adult males aged 18-25 years. Participants were divided into two groups: group I (n = 30), comprising individuals using commercially available protein supplements for a minimum of three months, and group II (n = 30) as age-matched controls. Cardiovascular assessments, including HRV analysis, were performed at rest and after the Harvard step test. Pre-exercise and post-exercise parameters were statistically analyzed, and participants in the test group provided information on supplement labels. Participants in both groups exhibited comparable pre-exercise cardiovascular parameters. However, post-exercise results did not reveal significant variations in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, Standard deviation of the successive differences between adjacent NNs (SDNN), and standard deviation of successive differences (SDSD) between the test and control groups. The average exercise duration for the control group was longer than that of the test group. Amino acid profiles and nutritional content varied among 13 different protein supplement brands. The study found no statistically significant positive influence of protein supplements on cardiovascular health or exercise performance in young adult males.

Comparison of cardiorespiratory fitness levels between wearing and not wearing masks in physiotherapy students

Background: Masks, devices used to cover the face, nose, and mouth area to prevent the transmission of viruses, bacteria, diseases, and air pollution, have become a topic of pros and cons among the public regarding their impact on cardiorespiratory fitness during physical activity, as some claim that masks decrease airflow to the lungs thus reducing oxygen in the blood and muscles which makes activity more difficult, while other studies have shown no difference in cardiorespiratory fitness values with or without masks. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in cardiorespiratory fitness levels when wearing a mask and not wearing a mask in physiotherapy students. Methods: This study used an analytical observational design with a one-group pre-post test design and a consecutive sampling technique involving 35 physiotherapy students from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana. This research was conducted at the Physiotherapy Building, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, in June 2023. The inclusion criteria included physiotherapy students aged ≥ 18 with normal vital signs who used a 3-ply surgical mask. The exclusion criteria were students with a history of respiratory problems and those who did not use a 3-ply surgical mask. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the Harvard step test. Results: This study showed that the research subjects were dominated by students with poor cardiorespiratory fitness when wearing a mask or not wearing a mask, namely 35 students (100%). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in cardiorespiratory fitness levels between mask wearers and non-wearers, with a p-value of 0.180 (>0.05).

Effect of Character Dance Steps in Turkish Folk Dances on Some Physical Fitness Levels

This research was conducted in öder to examine the effect of character dance steps determined from Kırşehir region dances, which are applied within the folk dance trainings held regularly for eight weeks, on the physical fitness of the athletes. A total of 20 volunteers were included in the sample group of the study (male; n=10, age;11±08, female; n=10 age 11±08). The sample size of the study was determined by Gpower analysis. The effectiveness of the character dance steps determined from the Kırşehir region dances on the physical levels of the participants was the subject of the research. In the experimental research, some physical fitness tests were applied to the participants. In assessing aerobic fitness; Harvard step test is used to evaluate strength; Hand grip test and leg strength test are used to evaluate agility; T test, in measurements of balance performance; Standing Strong and flamingo balance tests. Jump Test was used to evaluate anaerobic power. All data were analyzed in the IBM-SPSS 25 statistical program. The findings obtained in this study; In the trainings conducted with character dance steps determined from the Kırşehir regional dances, significance was observed in the aerobic capacities, strength variables and agility abilities of male and female Folk Dance performance athletes aged 11-14 who were trained at the secondary education level (p < α=0.05). These results showed that the selected character dance steps studies significantly improved physical fitness in the participants.

The Relationship between Physical Fitness Level with Body Mass Index of Medical Students at Indonesian Christian University, Jakarta

Aims: This research aims to understand the relationship between physical fitness level and body mass index (BMI) of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University, especially the class of 2021. Study Design: The research design used in this study was observational with a cross-sectional approach. Place and Duration of Study: This research will be conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University Laboratory in December 2022. Methodology: The population in this study were all students from the Faculty of Medicine, class of 2021. The research sample consisted of 57 students from the Faculty of Medicine, class of 2021, who were selected using a sampling technique, namely consecutive sampling. The physical fitness test uses the Harvard Step Test. Results: From the research results, it was found that the physical fitness level of 57 students registered at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University could be categorized as follows: 44 students (77.2%) were in the less ability, 8 students (14.0%). included in the moderate ability, and 5 students (8.8%) were included in the good ability. Apart from that, an analysis of the body mass index (BMI) of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University, Class of 2021, showed that the largest proportion consisted of individuals who were classified as having a normal weight, namely 31 people (54.4%), obesity, 12 people (21 .1%), underweight as many as 6 people (10.5%), overweight as many as 4 people (7.0%) and Obesity II as many as 4 people (7.0%). Based on bivariate analysis, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between Physical Fitness and Body Mass Index. This was concluded by obtaining a chi-square value, namely p = 0.740. Conclusion: From the research results, it can be concluded that the Body Mass Index is not a determining factor that guarantees physical fitness, likewise other moderate variables such as age and gender also have no relationship with physical fitness.

Determination of Physical Fitness Index (PFI) among Female College Students

Physical fitness/cardiovascular fitness is considered as the best reflection of whole-body health. It can be maintained by improving the physical fitness/cardiovascular fitness levels of individuals. The current study attempted to analyze the physical fitness index (PFI) of female college students by using the Harvard step test. A cross-sectional research was conducted from June 2021 to January 2022. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was employed to choose a sample of 340 students based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected from Government Degree College for Women, Government Post-Graduate College for Women, and Apex College Sialkot, Pakistan. The data was entered and analyzed through SPSS. PFI scores showed students who had excellent and good scores, for instance 13 (3.8%) and 39 (11.5%), respectively. High average and low average scores were 172 (50.6%) and 62 (18.2%), respectively. Students who had poor scores were 54 (15.9%). The mean PFI was 66.91± 11.23, respectively. The association of PFI with BMI showed spearman correlation value as 0.136 with p-value < 0.05. The findings showed that most of the female college students had average to low PFI.

Assessing Maximal Oxygen Uptake: Influence of Leg Length in the Harvard Step Test and Queen’s College Step Test

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) indicates cardiovascular endurance in evaluating overall health and physical performance. The CPX method is accurate, but accessibility is lower due to issues related to cost and complexity. For this reason, the Harvard Step Test and Queen's College Step Test are drawing interest. Step-based tests are influenced by factors such as leg length, requiring an investigation into the correlation between leg length and VO₂max estimation using these methods. This study investigates the influence of leg length on predicted VO₂max (pVO2max) determined through both the Harvard Step Test and the Queen's College Step Test. The assessment of VO2max was carried out using CPX on a treadmill. Measurements were obtained through the Harvard Step Test and Queen's College Step Test on steps. The participants were informed about the experimental procedure, and the experiment was conducted 24 hours later. The experiment maintained controlled conditions, and each measurement was conducted as a single trial, repeated three times for accuracy. The study found a significant positive correlation (r = 0.595, P < 0.05) between CPX VO2max and lower leg length. Lower leg length was found to significantly influence exercise intensity as determined by both the Harvard Step Test pVO2max (explaining 35.4% of the variance, P < 0.05) and the Queen's College Step Test pVO2max (explaining 30% of the variance, P < 0.05). It is recommended to adjust the step height to the individual's body size when estimating exercise difficulty or pVO2max using step-based exercises.

The Relationship Between Insomnia And Fitness Level In Medical Faculty Students Of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto

Physical fitness is a condition in which a person can carry out daily activities in a healthy and fit condition without quickly experiencing fatigue. Several factors can affect fitness level, such as a decrease in the hormone melatonin caused by insomnia. It will affect circadian rhythms and reduce a person's physical activity, thus affecting fitness level. To observe the relationship between insomnia and fitness level in Medical Faculty students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto. This study used a cross-sectional analytic observational study design. Primary data was obtained from the results of the Harvard Step Test and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire. The subjects were selected through a non-probability sampling technique by purposive sampling. The statistical tests used were Fisher’s test and logistic regression. The result is 42 male students were selected from all Medical Faculty students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto. The bivariate analysis showed that the percentage of non-insomnia respondents with poor fitness level was 73.9% and those with good fitness level was 26.1%. While the percentage of insomnia respondents with poor fitness level is 84.2% and those with good fitness level is 15.8%. Fisher’s analysis results showed a p-value 0.477 (p>0.05). There is no relationship between insomnia and fitness level in Medical Faculty students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto.

The Effect of the Harvard Step Test Exercise on Blood Pressure in Christian University Faculty of Medical Students Indonesia Batch 2021

The Effect of the Harvard Step Test Exercise on Blood Pressure in Christian University Faculty of Medical Students Indonesia Batch 2021

Effect of Prolong Sitting for Continuous Three Hours on Neuromuscular and Cardio-respiratory System in College Students: An Observational Study

Background: Prolonged sitting has adverse effects on the body’s physical fitness. Since the students sit in college during lecture hours, their physical fitness is compromised. Some studies have proved that inactivity can affect various systems. Method: The study included 50 students randomly whose ages ranged between 18-22 years of college going. The students were then assessed for flexibility with the Sit and Reach test, aerobic capacity with the Harward Step Test, and Balance with One Leg Standing. The values of each outcome measure were noted and assessed again after 15 days when they completed sitting for 3 hours each day. Result: The analysis shows a statistically significant difference between the outcome measures' pre and post-values. The Paired sample t-test was used to compare the data for which the Z value was negative, which confirms the post value was higher. The p-value was significant (p<0.05) at a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: Prolonged sitting for 3 hours for 15 days resulted in a reduction in the physical fitness of the students. All three systems were compromised when assessed after 15 days, which says that due to prolonged sitting, flexibility, aerobic capacity, and balance are compromised, ultimately reducing the student's performance. Clinical Implication: The study says that the student's lecture shouldn’t continue for prolonged periods, and intermittent break is needed. As this affects the physical fitness of the students in upcoming years till they complete the degree, overall performance can be compromised to a greater extent. Self-awareness should be advised, and intermittent breaks with various stretches and exercises should be taught. Keywords: Prolong Sitting, Sit and Reach Test, Harvard Step Test, One leg standing.