VO2 Max Normative Values Using Queen's College Step Test in Healthy Urban Indian Individuals of Age Group 20-50 Years

Background: Physical Fitness has been defined as a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to physical activity and can be either health or skill related. This study aims at determining one of the crucial health related factors- Cardiovascular endurance measured by standard parameter- maximal uptake of oxygen (VO2max) and its association with gender in the Indian urban population. Methods: 501 individuals consisting of both males and females from 20 to 50 years of age were subjected to the Queens College Step Test ( submaximal exercise test). The heart rate obtained immediately after the test was then substituted in the formula, based on gender, to predict the VO2max indirectly. Results: Normative VO2 values obtained for 501 individuals were in the range of 38.41+/-6.95ml/kg/min. VO2max was also found to have an association with age and gender (pless than0.05). Conclusion: Normative range of VO2 max was established within the age group. Mean VO2max was seen to be best in the youngest age group of the study and superior in males when compared to females.