Cardiovascular endurance [physical fitness index] and maximal aerobic capacity [Vo₂ max] in young male wrestlers

Aerobic capacity or Maximal oxygen uptake capacity (VO₂ max) has been widely considered to be reliable and valid measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Persons possessing higher values of VO₂ max have the capacity to yield larger amounts of energy, and are capable of performing better in athletic and other field activities. Cardiac endurance as determined by Harvard Step test is one of the component of physical fitness which reflects the ability of heart, lungs and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to working muscles and tissues and ability of those muscles and tissues to utilize that oxygen. Present study was done to determine Cardiac endurance [Physical fitness index] and Maximal oxygen uptake among 60 young male wrestlers in the age group of 11–25 years. Results of the study revealed no significant change in Cardiac endurance and VO₂ max when different age group wrestlers were compared. However, VO₂ max was significantly increased with increased duration of training among 16–20 age group wrestlers. This study also reflects the influence of age and training among wrestlers of Indian population.