Madhusudhan U1
BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise reduces body fat and improves weight control, increases HDL&Vo2 max. Also improves PFI (physical fitness index) which is defined as ability to carry out daily tasks with vigour and alertness without undue fatigue. Though aerobic exercise is found to improve physical fitness, the relative merits of different intensities of aerobic exercise in improving physical fitness is still uncertain. AIM: The present study was conducted to know the Effect of High & low intensity aerobic training on physical fitness index.
MATERIALS & METHODS: 80 sedentary men (18-40 years) were randomized in to 2 equal groups (High Intensity & low intensity group). The High [80% HR max] & Low intensity [50 % HR max] groups underwent aerobic exercise training using Bicycle ergo meter (COSCO) at 900kpm & 540kpm, for 15mins/day & 30mins/day respectively, 5days a week, for a period of 14weeks. Physical fitness index of each subject was recorded by Modified Harvard step test before & after intervention.
RESULTS: After 14 weeks of aerobic training both the exercise groups had improvement in PFI, but high intensity group had a significant (p<0.05) improvement in PFI (97.18 -101.14) than low intensity group (98.12-100.6).
CONCLUSION: High intensity aerobic exercise is effective in improving physical fitness.
