Cardio respiratory changes associated with graded exercise and determination of aerobic power in male medical students (18-19 years).

The data from the study reveals the normal cardiopulmonary responses in untrained subjects (18-19 yrs) and their aerobic power. Fifty male medical students in the given age group were selected for the study. They were subjected to moderate, predetermined, graded exercise on a bicycle ergograph and parameters like heart-rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate were recorded at rest, just after exercise and during recovery. VO2 max or aerobic power was calculated from Astrand's nomogram after determining work rate. Heart-rate, systolic blood pressure, double-product and respiratory rate rose linearly with increasing grades of exercise, while diastolic blood pressure recorded a fall. Aerobic power was found to be 2.10 litres/min in 18 years age group and 2.07 litres/min in 19 years category. The determination of aerobic power or VO2 max gives an idea of the capacity and regulation of O2 transporting system and also sets a norm in assessing physical fitness.