LAUSR

INTRODUCTION : Physical fitness implies the ability to make adequate physiological adjustments to the stresses imposed by a specific task. Good cardiorespiratory function is reflected by the ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues to maintain continuous activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The present study was carried out to study the effect of exercise on the physical fitness of healthy young adults. Exercise stress test was done by Harvard step test. Study population comprised of 100 young adults with subset of 50 trained athletes and 50 sedentary healthy adults. The parameter for measuring Physical fitness was Physical Fitness Index. RESULTS: Mean value of PFI in trained athletes and sedentary healthy adults were 85.42 and 72.79 respectively i.e., mean value of PFI is higher in trained than sedentary group. This is statistically highly significant (P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that physical fitness is high in trained athletes than the untrained group. There is a need for inclusion of regular exercise in medical students to attain high level of physical fitness.