The Relationship Between Vital Lung Capacity and Physical Fitness

Abstract

Physical fitness is an important determinant of health and functional capacity among medical students, who are exposed to substantial academic demands and often experience sedentary lifestyles. Although pulmonary function is physiologically relevant to cardiorespiratory performance, evidence regarding the association between vital lung capacity and physical fitness among medical students remains limited and inconsistent, particularly in the Indonesian medical education setting. Re-examining this relationship is important because identifying potentially modifiable pulmonary and fitness-related factors may provide an evidence base for targeted preventive programs within medical education institutions. This study aimed to determine the association between vital lung capacity and physical fitness among medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, Christian University of Indonesia, Class of 2023. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 57 FK UKI medical students who met the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Vital lung capacity was measured using a spirometer and categorized according to the applicable reference criteria. Physical fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test and classified into fitness categories based on the resulting Physical Fitness Index. The association between vital lung capacity and physical fitness was analyzed using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The magnitude of the association was assessed using an odds ratio (OR). Most respondents had low lung vital capacity and moderate physical fitness levels. The results of the bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between lung vital capacity and physical fitness level (p < 0.000), OR, 0.133; and 95% CI 0.054-0.332. Vital lung capacity was significantly associated with physical fitness among FK UKI medical students. Medical education institutions should incorporate structured cardiorespiratory fitness screening and regular aerobic exercise programs into student health initiatives, particularly for students identified with reduced pulmonary function or low fitness levels. Periodic monitoring of pulmonary function and physical fitness may provide an actionable preventive strategy to support student health and functional capacity throughout medical education.

Keywords: Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Function Tests, Health Promotion, Spirometry, Pulmonary.