A. Hemalathadevi1, P. Venkateswara Rao2, K. Madhu Babu3
INTRODUCTION: The type of the body build, efficacy of energy and oxygen supply mechanisms and utilization are the chief determinants of various forms of exertional endurance and achievement in various sporting activities. Therefore, the relationship between these variables of physique, fuel supply and aerobic capacity 6 and the endurance on treadmill stress test are chosen for study.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Two groups (20 each) of subjects (18-20 years) were chosen based on body weight differences 9<60 Kg BW and > 60 kg BW) for the study. They were further sub grouped based on BMI.
DISCUSSION: When the body mass Index (BMI) is at the range of 20-25, the endurance was better. However, when the BMI increased to very high value like 30, the endurance decreased. Such individuals with disproportionally high body weight could not endure a longer duration of exercise. This perhaps may be explained on the ground that such very high weight individuals (BMI > 30) may have more body fat than muscles. Excess body fat is dead weight that adds directly to the energy cost of running. In both groups of individuals with BMI of 20 or slightly above could run for longer periods than at extreme lower or higher ends of the BMI scale.
OBSERVATIONS: The subjects with greater BMI could run for greater length of times, greater distances and achieved greater METs, glucose utilization and oxygen usage (aerobic capacity). The percentage of oxygen saturation (Pulse oxymetry) after exercise fell to a greater degree in high body mass (BMI) subjects indicating better cardio pulmonary function and greater degree of oxygen utilization. Finally, the resting heart rate and magnitude of heart rate rise during exercise are found to be somewhat lower in high body mass index subjects.
