Cardiorespiratory Fitness Profile of Sixth-Semester University Students: Evidence from the Bleep Test

Abstract

Overview: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important component of physical fitness that supports students’ academic performance, productivity, and overall health. One of the most widely used indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness is maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ Max). However, modern sedentary lifestyles and increasing academic demands may negatively affect students’ aerobic capacity.

Method: This study aimed to analyze the VO₂ Max levels of sixth-semester students using the Bleep Test (Multistage Fitness Test). A quantitative descriptive research design was employed. The sample consisted of 20 sixth-semester students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Bleep Test and analyzed through descriptive statistics, including mean, minimum value, maximum value, standard deviation, and percentage distribution of VO₂ Max categories using SPSS version 25.

Result: The results showed that the average VO₂ Max value of the students was 38.01 ml/kg/min, with a minimum value of 31.2 ml/kg/min and a maximum value of 43.1 ml/kg/min. The standard deviation was 3.07, indicating relatively homogeneous data distribution. Based on the VO₂ Max classification, 50% of students were categorized as very poor, 40% as poor, and only 10% as moderate. No students were classified in the good or very good categories.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the cardiorespiratory fitness level of sixth-semester students remains generally low. Most students demonstrated poor to very poor aerobic capacity, suggesting the need for regular physical activity and structured fitness programs to improve VO₂ Max and overall physical fitness among university students.