A cross-sectional study to assess the correlation of cardiovascular endurance levels across the gender among sedentary adults of 18–25 years

Background: Cardiorespiratory proficiency is an important estimate of healthiness. Participation in endurance activities by both genders has increased in recent times but a shift in lifestyle due to industrialization and mechanization has increased the rate of noncommunicable diseases. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation of cardiovascular endurance levels across the gender among sedentary adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was initiated among 400 subjects, of which 188 were male and 212 were female participants. Both the study groups were assessed for cardiovascular endurance using anthropometry, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation at rest, followed by immediate, 1, 2, 3, and 5 min after exercise. They were asked to perform the Harvard step test and fitness index, and all these variables were compared across the gender. Results: There was a significant change in anthropometric indices across the gender. The cardiovascular endurance variables including pulse rate and respiratory rate did not show any significant change except immediately after exercise. The oxygen saturation was significantly affected all the time across the gender. All the participants could perform the Harvard step test and fitness index without any significant change except the duration of the fitness. Conclusion: Physical activity has significant health benefits in all physiological systems. Cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular suitability can be increased in sedentary individuals through trained endurance exercises leading to healthier individuals in the future and improve general health and social well-being, reducing the burden of disease, and improving their quality life years