Study of physical fitness index using modified harvard step test in relation with body mass index in physiotherapy students

BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVES: The Physical Fitness index measures the physical fitness for Muscular work & the ability to recover from the work. The present study was undertaken to assess the physical fitness index using Modified Harvard Step Test in young adult in the age group of 17 to 24 years with varying degree of physical activities. METHOD: Cross sectional study was done on 105 physiotherapy students and Physical Fitness Index was measured using Modified Harvard step test. DATA ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using discriptive analysis and Chi square test. RESULT: Statistical analysis shows that physical fitness in physiotherapy students is not satisfactory. And there is significant difference in physical fitness index between normal BMI and overweight BMI students. CONCLUSION: Physical fitness of physiotherapy students in Ahmedabad Physiotherapy College is not satisfactory and overweight students are having less physical fitness in compare to normal BMI students.