The Relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and VO2Max in Sports Students

Abstract

Background: Sports students, often also athletes and coaches, require optimal physical condition and fitness for peak performance and achievement. Maintaining fitness minimizes health risks and boosts exercise efficiency. VO₂Max, the maximal oxygen uptake during intense exercise, is a key cardiovascular fitness indicator closely tied to muscle work capacity. Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) and excess fat can impair cardiac function, reduce cardiac output, and hinder oxygen uptake, leading to lower VO₂Max. This study focuses specifically on trained, active sports students, distinguishing it from prior research on general student populations.

Objectives: To examine the relationship between BMI and VO₂Max in sports students.

Methods: This quantitative descriptive study used an observational analytic design. The study involved a total of 30 subjects active university students (19-22 years) were purposively sampled. BMI was measured with TANITA BC-545N, and VO₂Max  with the 12-minute Cooper test. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality test, and Pearson correlation.

Results: Mean BMI was 21.84 ± 2.52 kg/m². Most participants (70%) had normal BMI; 10% were underweight, 20% overweight. Mean VO₂Max was 45.13 ± 4.93 mL/kg/min. Participants VO₂Max, 53% were "good" and 23.5% "excellent".Normality test with Shapiro Wilk, p value BMI = 0.374 and p value VO2Max = 0.345 it mean (p> 0.05) then the data was normally distributed so that it was continued with parametric test is the Pearson Correlation test. A Pearson correlation showed a statistically significant negative relationship between BMI and VO2 Max (r = -0.372; p = 0.043), indicating a weak but inverse correlation.

Conclusion: A significant negative relationship exists between BMI and VO₂Max in sports students. Effective BMI management is crucial for preserving optimal cardiovascular fitness in this group.

Keywords: BMI, VO₂Max, Sport Student.