Characterization of the aerobic capability in sample university students

Abstract

The objective was to determine the aerobic capacity in physically active university students. The sample consisted of 23 men aged between 17 and 21 years who were evaluated by the direct method of estimating oxygen uptake, measured by the indirect calorimeter CPX-Ultima utilizing Astrand´s test in cicloergometer. The results evidence a VO2max of 42.93 ml·kg·min-1. In terms of the evaluated age groups, the average is 39.35 ml·kg·min-1 for the 17-year-old, 40.93 ml·kg·min-1 for the 18-year-old, 43.83 ml·kg·min-1 for the 19-year-old, 46.0 ml·kg·min-1 for the 20-year-old and 53.9 ml·kg·min-1 for the 21-year-old group. When aerobic capacity is classified into six levels the percentages are: 13.04% very poor, 8.69% poor, 39.16% acceptable, 21.73% good, 8.69% very good and 8.69% excellent. It is concluded that 60.89% of the sample is in a range lower than expected for their age and that only 39.11% are in a condition classified as good, very good or excellent.