Indirect Determination of Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2Max) and Its Correlation with Body Mass Index

ABSTRACT

Background: The current study was designed to evaluate cardio respiratory fitness in terms of VO2max in young healthy males and to correlate between body mass index and cardio respiratory fitness. Methods: One hundred twenty-five apparently healthy male subjects in the age group of 18 to 25 years were included in this study group. Body mass index was measured as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters square. Cardio respiratory fitness in terms of VO2max was predicted by following the protocol of Treadmill Jogging Test (TMJ). Results: There was a highly significant negative correlation between body mass index and VO2max, r = -0.75 p<0.0001. Conclusion: The result suggests that the reduced cardiac performance during progressive work rate exercise in obese individuals. Greater the BMI, more severe will be the functional impairment, suggesting excessive amount of body fat on cardio-respiratory functions and oxygen uptake by working muscles