Effect of Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity on Blood Pressure in Young Indian Adult Males of Age Group 18 -21 Years

Introduction: Body composition refers to lean tissue mass and fat mass measured in terms of body fat percentage. Aerobic capacity refers to ability to sustain exercise tolerance measured in terms of VO2 max. Both the factors are known to affect blood pressure. But this association is less studied in Indian population. Aim: To study the association between body fat percentages, VO2 max and blood pressure. Methodology:A total of 50 healthy Indian adult male of age group 18-21 were included. Their BMI, body fat percentage and BP was measured and was evaluated for association. Results:The average VO2max was highest (3.9 L/min) in category with Body fat % (13-17%) and least (VO2 max 3.3 L/min) in category with Body fat % (>17%). 40 out of 50 subjects, i.e., 80% of the subjects had SBP in the range 110-130 mmHg (body fat % : 10.9%) while 6 subjects had SBP< 110mmHg (MABP: 83.8 mmHg) and an average body fat% which was lower (9.5%) and 4 subjects had a SBP of >130 mmHg (MABP: 95.3 mmHg) and higher body fat% (13.6%). Discussion: The VO2max was found to be highest in that category of Body fat % which ranged from 13% to 17% and was least in the category of Body fat % greater than 17%. Average Resting HR was the highest in the group of subjects that had higher body fat% of more than 17%. Body fat% was found to be directly proportional to the resting HR and inversely proportional to the physical fitness parameters of aerobic. Systolic BP was directly related toBody fat percentage and inversely related to Aerobic capacity.