This study compared the aerobic capacity, as measured by VO2 Max values, of normal females versus hypotensive females. Seventy females participated in the study, with VO2 Max values indirectly assessed using the Queen's College step test. The results showed VO2 Max values were significantly lower in hypotensive females compared to normal females, indicating lower cardiorespiratory fitness. The lower arterial pressure in hypotensive females likely limits oxygen perfusion to exercising muscles, resulting in their lower VO2 Max values. Further research with larger populations is needed, but this study suggests hypotension should receive attention regarding fitness levels.

1. CHA-22-15
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS
AEROBIC CAPACITY IN
NORMAL FEMALES
VERSUS
HYPOTENSIVE FEMALES

2. INTRODUCTION
• The global burden of hypertension as a leading risk factor for
cardiovascular and kidney disease, and for mortality, has
overshadowed possible health problems associated with
chronic low blood pressure.
• In most healthy adults, low blood pressure does not cause
problems or symptoms.1
• There are few studies evaluating fitness in hypotensive
individuals.
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3. • Person’s fitness level is dependent on the amount of oxygen
which can be transported by the body to the working muscles
and efficiency of the muscles to use that oxygen.2
• VO2 Max is the internationally accepted parameter to
evaluate the cardiorespiratoary fitness.3
• This study aimed at evaluating level of fitness (VO2 Max
values) in normal and hypotensive individuals through
Queen’s college step test.
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4. MATERIALS AND METHODS
• Design of the study: Cross Sectional
• Sample Size:70 Females
• Hypothesis: VO2 Max values of Normal and Hypotensive
females are same
• Procedure: Data is collected by assessing VO2 Max indirectly
by Queen’s college step test.
• The subjects step up and down on the platform at a rate of 22
steps per minute .
• The subjects have to use 4 step cadences up-up & down-down
for 3 minutes.
• The subjects stop immediately on completion of the test and
VO2 Max values were calculated for both the groups.
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5. DATA ANALYSIS
• Test used: Z test was used
• Level of Significance: P<0.05
• Confidence Interval:95%
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6. RESULTS
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Variables Group 1 Group 2
Systolic Blood Pressure 114.85±5.07 101.77 ±6.85
Diastolic Blood Pressure 74.57±5.60 62.86±9.87
Heart Rate at rest 77.97 ±7.62 81.77 ±7.02
Heart Rate after exercise 86.97± 11.84 94.4 ±4.88
VO2 Max 49.42± 1.80 48.05± 0.72
Group 1: Normal Individuals
Group 2 :Hypotensive patients

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50
49.5
49
48.5
48
47.5
47
Vo2 max value for normal
individuals
Vo2 max value for
hypotensive individuals
VO2 MAX VALUES FOR NORMAL AND HYPOTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS

8. DISCUSSION
Results of the present study suggested that
• VO2 max values of both the groups were in ‘good’ category of
normative data of VO2max.
• VO2max values of hypotensive females were found to be
significantly low statistically compared to group of normal healthy
females.
• At the onset of exercise, oxygen uptake of exercising muscles
increases after a delay of few seconds and oxygen extraction
peaks after 50 seconds of exercise.
• Reduced arterial pressure most likely limits perfusion to exercising
skeletal muscle.
• That (imbalance between limited perfusion and increased
demands) could be a reason for low VO2max values for
hypotensive females group.
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9. CONCLUSION
• VO2 Max values were found to be higher in normal individuals
as compared to hypotensive females.
• Scope for Future Research: can be done in large population
with different variables
• Relevance to Public Health and/or Clinical Practice:
Hypotension also needs attention when compared with other
NCD’s . We need to take care of fitness levels of individuals
with Non-symptomatic chronic hypotension .
• Common fatigue and weakness symptoms found in
hypotensive individuals may be due to low VO2max which can
be improved through exercise training.
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10. REFERENCES
1. Hildrum B. Association of low blood pressure with
anxiety and depression. J Epidemiol Community Health.
2007 Jan; 61(1): 53–58.
2. Wilmore JH and costill DL. Physiology of sport and
exercise: 3rd edition. Champaign, IL: human kinetics:
2005.
3. Chatterjee S, Chatterjee P, Bandyopadhyay A. validity of
Queens College step test for estimation of maximal
oxygen uptake in female students. Indian J Med Res
2005; 121:32-35.
4. Essentials of medical Physiology Sembulingam,Sixth
edition. page no 615,jaypee brother publishers.
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