Comparison of Cardiopulmonary Fitness among Obese and Non-Obese School Children

Introduction: Childhood obesity is now rising as a significant health problem. In India, some studies showed a rising trend in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. This shocking rise in childhood obesity often accounts for increased intake of high calorie foods and decreased physical activity. In addition, non communicable diseases like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancer are more common in obesity. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the relationship between cardiopulmonary fitness and Body Mass Index (BMI) in school going adolescents between 12 to 16 years. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted from March 2018 to March 2019. The study included 60 healthy students (between 12 to 16 years) full sample size divided into two groups and four subgroups. After the general physical examination and history taking, participants' selection made in line with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were recorded. Using the modified Harvard's Step test, recorded cardiopulmonary fitness parameters like Physical Fitness Index (PFI) and Maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) of each subject and calculated by applying the concerned formulae. All statistical analysis has been done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16.0. Results: Total 60 apparently healthy students including both male and female students. Mean age was 14.93 +/- 0.96 years in Group I (normal weight boys, n=15) and 14.47 +/- 1.41 years in Group II (overweight/ obese boys, n=15). Also mean age was 14.93 +/- 0.59 years in Group III (normal weight girls, n=15) and 15.27 +/- 0.59 years in Group IV (overweight/obese girls, n=15). Pearson correlation showed a significant negative correlation between BMI and PFI (r= -0.504, p- value<0.001) also between BMI and VO2max (r= -0.459, p-value<0.001). This observation was explained by their sedentary activities (television viewing and video/computer time). Conclusion: We all should take appropriate measures to enhance cardiopulmonary fitness among school children who are the wealth of the country at the school and community levels.