Abstract
Introduction: The present study was carried out in Index Medical College & Hospital, Indore with the objective of assessing the physical fitness of medical students and to study relation between BMI and physical fitness so that suitable corrections can be made to minimize the rate of morbidity.
All the students satisfying the inclusion criteria and willing were included in the study. Two hundred students participated in study of which 82 were females and 118 were males.
Material & Method: Queen’s College Step Test was used to assess the physical fitness index. This is validated method for Indian subjects because of its simplicity and does not require skills. It classifies the subjects into four groups of physical fitness based on scores obtained. Heart rate recovery after exercise using QCT was used to calculate the scores. Results were analyzed using chi-square and ‘t’ test. Correlation was calculated using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation ‘r’.
Conclusion: Females were in better state and physically more fit as they are calorie conscious and pursued some sort of physical activity.
Regular physical activity is important determinant of physical fitness.
PFI showed negative correlation with pulse rate and BMI and positive with physical activity.
Over weight and obesity reduce physical fitness significantly.
Study Design: Cross-sectional Study
Keywords: Physical Fitness Index (PFI) & Body Mass Index (BMI).
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Corresponding Author
Dr Prashant Sharma
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i8.130
