Aerobic Capacity of Students with Different Levels of Physical Activity as Assessed by IPAQ

International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) has become one of the world’s most valuable tools for meas-uring physical activity in different groups or populations. The relationship between regular, moderate-intensity physical activity and health parameters including physical fit-ness and aerobic capacity has been clearly proven by numerous investigations throughout the world. The aim of the present study was to determine the magnitude of differences in absolute & relative (l×min-1, ml×kg-1×min-1) VO2 max, by using the Astrand-Ryhming normogram in students aged 19 to 24 years, depending on their weekly energy expenditure (METmin×week-1), as diagnosed with IPAQ. The significance of differences in aerobic capacity between highly and moderately active students was evaluated. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated as a measure of the strength of the correlation between the above parameters in female and male groups. VO2 max was significantly higher in male and female participants, with a high level of physical activity, as deter-mined through IPAQ criteria.