Assessment of Selected Physical Fitness Parameters in Indian Female Medical Students

Due to dietary life style changes & physical inactivity prevalence of obesity, chronic non communicable diseases are on the rise. Even though adult population suffers from cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypertension etc. its roots are seen in childhood and adolescent age. It is observed that medical students have poorer fitness levels than students from non-health related disciplines. So aim of present study is to assess status of physical fitness and effect of obesity on it.

For present study 62 female Indian medical students were studied. Physical fitness parameters like Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist to hip (W/H) ratio, cardio-respiratory fitness, body flexibility, peak anaerobic power were studied by standard method. Students were divided into four groups depending upon their BMI values. Physical fitness parameters were compared with standard classification.

25.8% medical students were over weight. Values of physical fitness are on lower side when compared to standard classification. Obesity is associated with increased waist circumference and increased W/H ratio. However, no significant difference was observed for body flexibility and cardio respiratory fitness. Peak anaerobic power was significantly increased in obese students.

Percentage of obesity is more in Indian medical students. Physical fitness is low compared with standard classification. So there is need for physical education and training for the medical students.