STUDY OF CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE IN NEWLY ADMITTED MEDICAL STUDENTS

Introduction: Physical fitness is necessary for all the activities of ours in the daily routine. A sedentary lifestyle and low physical fitness is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases or lifestyle diseases. Physical activity and regular light to moderate exercise may reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases and death especially from cardiovascular diseases and related comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Step test provides a submaximal measure of cardiovascular endurance. Objectives: This study is undertaken to assess cardiovascular endurance in newly admitted MBBS student of Health University of Haryana. Material and Method: This study was conducted on 180 MBBS first professional students. Amongst the participant students 97 were male and 83 were female students. Modified Harvard step test i.e. Master step test for cardiovascular endurance was used. Participants were screened for any recent illness or any limiting factor to perform master step test. Scores were interpreted as per General Physical fitness test chart of Master Step test. Statistical tests including chi square were used and p value calculated for two groups. Results: It was observed that amongst total 180 students 47% students have poor cardiovascular endurance, 48.5% students have average and 4.5% have good cardiovascular endurance. Male students have 20% poor, 70 % average and 10% good score while 68% female students have poor, 30% average and only 2% have good cardiovascular endurance. There is significant difference of proportion in two groups of male and female students in respect of cardiovascular fitness. Conclusion: Cardiovascular endurance according to Master step test score was found more on average side in male students but poor in female students. Physical activity thus found to be low in newly admitted MBBS students and thus it is advised that Physical and cardiorespiratory exercise modules should be included in the Medical education curriculum.