DETERMINATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS INDEX (PFI) WITH MODIFIED HARVARD STEP TEST (HST) IN MALE AND FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF AGE 17–19 YRS.

Dr.K.Ranjith Babu; Dr; Mohit Malge; Dr.Meenakshi S.Sable; D.Pavani

Volume : IV, Issue : VI, June - 2015

DETERMINATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS INDEX (PFI) WITH MODIFIED HARVARD STEP TEST (HST) IN MALE AND FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF AGE 17–19 YRS.

Dr. K. Ranjith Babu, Dr, Mohit Malge, Dr. Meenakshi S. Sable, D. Pavani

Abstract :

Background & Objectives: Harvard step test has been given much attention to select highly physically active persons who will be capable of doing hard work so that they may be recruited in various sports & games or appropriate industrial occupations. The present study was carried out in medical students to determine the Harvard Step Test (HST). There is significant difference in Harvard Index (HI) or Physical Fitness Index (PFI) in male and female students because males are generally more aggressive and accepts challenges more than females, also there is significant difference in Height (Ht) and Weight (Wt) in males and females. So, PFI affected by body size as evidenced in the co–relation PFI with height and weight. Methods: The study was conducted in department of physiology, MNR Medical College, Sangareddy. A total of 133 subjects were selected, of whom 73 were male and 60 were female medical students whose age varied from 17 to 19 years. The subjects selected for this study were medical students admitted for First MBBS Course. The PFI or HI of the subjects was calculated by asking the subject to perform Harvard Step test. Prior to the test, age (Yrs), height (cm) and weight (kg) were recorded. Results: In the present study, the mean Harvard Index or PFI was 83.0101 in males and 60.2425 in females. Mean values of height and weight were 170.5603cms & 56.3219kgs in males and 156.14cms & 49.2Kgs in females respectively. Interpretation & Conclusion: Low mean value of PFI in female subjects compared to male subjects can thus be attributable to their lower body weight and height; also, males are generally more aggressive and accept challenges more than females. This present study is an attempt to modify Harvard step test with classification of score. But for Indians it is necessary to modify the step test because of short stature.