Correlation of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Perceived Fatigue Among Young DPT Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a measure of how well oxygen is transported to the body during exertion and perceived fitness is the measure of perceived exhaustion and tiredness.
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived fatigue among young DPT adults.
Methodology: The methodology was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Foundation University Islamabad. The study design was cross-sectional correlation analytical. The data was collected from undergraduate students of Foundation University Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Islamabad. The sampling technique was non-probability consecutive sampling. The sample size was 218. Data of 176 participants was collected due to limitation of time. Informed consent was taken. Participants were selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria and screened out using Physical Activity Readiness-Questionnaire. They were asked to fill the Situational Fatigue Scale and then perform the Single Stage Sub Maximal Treadmill Walking Test/Ebbeling Treadmill Test. During the test, participant's level of exertion and fatigue was measured using Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion. Then VO2 max and Situational Fatigue Score were calculated.
Results: There was weak positive correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived fatigue which was statistically insignificant (p value 0.545 and spearman’s rho 0.046).
Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness varies among young DPT students and is not related to their perceived fatigue.
Keywords: Cardiorespiratory fitness, Perceived fatigue, Physical exertion
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