Influence of physical activity on health-related fitness in young adults: An observational research

Abstract

Background: Health-related fitness directly depends on the level of physical activity (PA) of the individual.
Inactivity contributes to around 3.3% of all deaths, making the lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyles
among the young generation a current source of concern. There is a paucity of research on the association
between PA and health-related physical fitness among young people. In the perspective of this, the
objective of this research was to find out the effect of PA levels on physical fitness in healthy adults.
Methodology: A total of 419 students between the ages of 18 and 25 participated in this cross-sectional
survey. The “Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)” was used to evaluate the PA. Their body
fat percentage was measured using a skin fold caliper, followed by measurement of VO2max using a gas
analyzer and hand grip strength and endurance assessment with the help of a computerized dynamometer.
For statistical analysis, Karl Pearson's correlation coefficients and the ANOVA test were utilized.
Results: PA was positively correlated with VO2 max (r=0.429), and handgrip strength (r=0.408) while
negatively correlated with body fat % (r=-.315). VO2 max, body fat, and hand grip strength differ
significantly amongst participants having different physical activity levels. (p-value =<0.05)
Conclusion: This research concludes that PA is associated with physical fitness. PA will lead to a definite
improvement in overall physical fitness. With the help of the results of this study, young adults can be
motivated for physical fitness.