Cardiorespiratory Fitness between Physically Active and Inactive Obese Medical Students

Abstract

Background & objectives: Physical inactivity is a well-known factor for cardiometabolic risk among children and adolescents that can be assessed by Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF). However, there is a paucity of research on CRF in obese medical students who face academic pressures and lifestyle challenges. The present study aimed to compare CRF between physically active and inactive obese medical students using the Six-Minute Walk test (6MWT).
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study, which enrolled 72 obese medical students (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) categorised into physically active (46) and inactive (26) groups based on Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) score assessed by Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. All participants underwent 6MWT according to the standardized guidelines of the American Thoracic Society. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at baseline and after 6MWT, and VO2max was calculated. Data were analysed using an independent t-test and linear regression, with p < 0.05 statistically significant.
Results: Weekly physical activity levels measured by MET were markedly higher in the physically active obese group (p = 0.0001), with non-significantly higher estimated VO2max compared to inactive obese following 6MWT. Blood Pressure and heart rate showed a non-significant difference. Linear regression analysis showed a significant positive relationship between 6MWD and VO2max, in active obese students, 6MWD accounts for about 11% variability in VO₂ max (r = 0.3323, p = 0.024) and in inactive obese, nearly 52% (r = 0.7183, p = 0.001).
Interpretation & Conclusions: The cardiorespiratory fitness of obese adolescent was similar irrespective of their physical activity status, suggesting obesity may override the effect of physical activity in young age.