Body mass index and vital lung capacity as determinants of maximum oxygen volume (VO2 max): assessing fitness in a sedentary population.

PURPOSE: The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles in modern society has become a significant public health concern, correlating with a rise in obesity rates and various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. A critical metric often assessed in health evaluations is maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), which is instrumental in gauging an individual's aerobic fitness level. University staff members who engage in limited physical activity are at risk of reduced vital lung capacity (VLC) due to elevated Body Mass Index (BMI). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between BMI and VLC as predictors of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in a sedentary population.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 male staff members, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected by measuring BMI and waist circumference, performing spirometry to assess VLC, and performing the Harvard Step Test to assess VO2 max. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean of BMI, VLC, and VO2 max were 26.02 ± 3.70, 60.13 ± 15.45, and 40.40 ± 3.71. BMI (p = 0.002) and VLC (p = 0.05) were statistically significant independent predictors of VO2 max in the sedentary population.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that VO2 max was negatively associated with BMI and positively associated with VLC.