Normative study of VO2 max in healthy young adults upon exercise on treadmill and cycle ergometer

Background: As there is a linear relationship between the level of physical activity and health status therefore it is quintessential that an individual’s fitness levels be regularly assessed. Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), is quantifiable as VO2 max which is maximal oxygen uptake and is generally considered by exercise physiologists as one of the best indicators of physical fitness. This study aimed to establish baseline normative values of VO2 max in healthy central Indian population upon exercise on treadmill and cycle ergometer as assessed in sports physiology laboratory of a rural medical college. Methods: A total of 150 healthy young subjects were included in the study within the age group of 17-28 years. The VO2 max score was evaluated by using metabolic module of lab chart software investigated through power lab data acquisition system, AD instruments. Results: Out of 150 subjects, there were a total of 89 (59.33%) male subjects and 61 (40.66%) female subjects. The mean age of males was 21.20±2.62 years and of females was 20.36±2.69 years. The mean and SD value of VO2 max on treadmill for males was 34.09±4.34 ml/kg/min and for females was 25.09±6.99 ml/kg/min, and on cycle ergometer for males was 32.79±1.85 ml/kg/min and for females was 24.15±5.45 ml/kg/min. Conclusions: The baseline normative data for CRF parameter, VO2 max was established in the current study to lay the foundation for risk assessment to improve patient management.