Effect of Resistance Training on Aerobic Fitness in Healthy Young Individuals

BACKGROUNDCardiovascular fitness, which is health related physical fitness component, is the ability of the circulatory and respiratory system to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity. By use of various exercise protocols, VO2max and thereby aerobic fitness can be improved. Resistance training is currently recommended for its effects on maintenance of strength, muscle mass, aerobic capacity, and prevention or rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems. AIM OF STUDYTo monitor the effect of resistance training on the exercise capacity, measured by VO2max, in healthy young untrained individuals. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLE SIZE AND SAMPLING A Comparative study, 20 subjects by convenient samplingmethod METHODSBaseline parameters of VO2max and RPP were taken for each subject. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups [Resistance group (RG) and Control group (CG)]. In RG, eight resistance exercises, divided into two parts, were given with 4 sets of 10RM, performing both parts on alternate days. Chest press, retractors, arm extension, quadriceps, abdominal curl-ups, elbow flexion and extension, lower abdominals were included. After training, again VO2max and RPP were taken. In CG, no exercise was given. RESULTSStatistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0. Data were parametric hence un-paired t-test was used. There was statistically significant increase in the VO2max (p=0.001) and decrease in RPP (p=0.006) values in RG compared to CG, suggesting increased aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONSResistance training lead to significant improvement in the VO2max and RPP, suggesting increased aerobic capacity of the sedentary individuals.