The Comparative Study of Aerobic Capacity between Physically Trained and Untrained Subjects Using Astrand Ryhming Step Test

Research findings in the last three decades have shown that physical inactivity and a negative lifestyle has seriously threatened health and hastened the deterioration rate of the human body. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) is considered the best indicator of aerobic fitness. Hence the present study was done to compare the maximum aerobic capacity between students of medical education leading a sedentary life and students of physical education leading a sedentary life.

50 healthy male medical students and 50 healthy age matched male physical education students of College of Physical education after completion of 9 months of course in the college, were the subjects of the study. VO_2max of each subject was recorded by using Astrand-Ryhming step test (ARST).

The comparison of mean±1SD duration of exercise and VO_2max between students of ME and PE shows that the scores were more in PE students when compared to ME and all the differences were statistically highly significant.

Physical activities, regular exercise and sports should be encouraged for better cardio respiratory fitness.