Aerobic fitness level and its association with BMI and body fat percentage among male university students

Mohd Daud, Nur Liyana Hasnaa and Mohd Shukri, Nor Azwani (2022) Aerobic fitness level and its association with BMI and body fat percentage among male university students. International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 6 (3). pp. 2747-2755. E-ISSN 2600-8491

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Abstract

Introduction: The maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max) is one of the best indicators of aerobic fitness. Not only that, it also helps in identifying future health risks associated with low VO2max. Aerobic fitness and body fat percentage are closely connected and related to the risk of the development of cardiovascular disease. This research aimed to evaluate the association between aerobic fitness level with body fat percentage (BFP) and body mass index (BMI) among male young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 undergraduate male students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan Campus. Each study participant was requested to run a 400m round track for 12 minutes. The duration (12 minutes) and average distance covered (in meters) were inserted into the Cooper Test formula to calculate VO2max to determine the aerobic fitness level. Results: Based on the percentile values by Cooper Institute, the mean VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) of the study participants (34.22 ± 6.98) was categorized as poor. Meanwhile, the mean BFP (17.42 ± 5.80%) and mean BMI (22.96 ± 3.89kg/m2) indicated normal values. There was a significant negative correlation between BMI and aerobic fitness level, VO2max (r = -0.296, p = 0.021). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between BFP and VO2max (r=-0.470, p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study indicates that the higher the BFP, the lower the aerobic fitness. On the other hand, a higher BMI level was associated with a lower aerobic fitness level. Interventions are needed to increase awareness regarding the importance of maintaining a healthy body composition and aerobic fitness levels among university students in reducing the risks for chronic diseases.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Aerobic fitness, Body fat percentage, Body mass index, VO2max
Subjects:	R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM214 Diet therapy. Diet and dietectics in disease
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Nutrition Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Nor Azwani Mohd Shukri
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2023 17:14
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2023 17:15
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/103602

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