Abstract

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂ max) was determined in 40 sedentary men aged 17-25 years and in 96 active athletes of the same age participating in 5 different kinds of sport. The V̇O₂ max in the sedentary group was found to be 36.8 ± 4.0 (SD) ml.kg.^-1 min^-1. The results in the sedentary group were found to be lower than those recorded on inactive populations in other countries by 12-35%, possibly due to the low participation rate in sport among Indians. The mean V̇O₂ max in 96 active athletes was 48.4 ± 5.1 ml.kg.^-1 min^-1 which is slightly low as compared to V̇O₂ max values recorded in active populations in other countries. The difference in the mean V̇O₂ max of sedentary group and that of the active one was found to be statistically significant. The highest mean V̇O₂ max was recorded in the group of long distance runners (56.4 ml.kg.^-1 min^-1) while lowest mean V̇O₂ max values were recorded in the group of football players 44.2 + 2.1 ml.kg.^-1 min^-1).