Body Mass Index and Cardiovascular Fitness in Children

Abstract

The study is aimed to find out the effect of Body Mass Index on cardio respiratory fitness in children. Cardiopulmonary fitness is crucial in the paediatric population. Many parents are unaware of this. Because children are not permitted to play outside due to concerns about safety and overprotection, they are more likely to have poor cardiopulmonary fitness. This is a cross sectional study involved with 60 healthy children aged between 8-12 years. All the samples are collected in convenient manner and allocated in three groups according through their BMI rate (normal, overweight, and obese). Those who are under any medications, having history of neuromuscular or heart disease or injuries and having any limitation in physical activity were excluded from this study. Six minute walk test was explained to the samples and made them to perform it after explanation. Distance through the six minute walk test was measured and estimated the maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) through the Cahaline formula, data’s are collected. The obtained data’s are analysed with KRUSKAL WALLIS test and compared. The p value showed < 0.00001(P<0.05). The mean value of the group A is higher than the other 2 groups. It has been determined that children with a normal BMI have better cardiopulmonary fitness than children who are overweight or obese.