Cardiorespiratory fitness in university athletes from Manizales (Colombia)

Objective: to determine the cardiorespiratory capacity of university athletes in Manizales. Materials and method: descriptive correlational study, where 146 athletes participated, the mean age being 20.6 +/- -2.26 years. To quantify cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), participants performed an ergometric test consisting of a triangular protocol until exhaustion. Statistical analysis made it possible to carry out parametric tests (t student - ANOVA) and non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis). Results: For men the average VO2max was 41.9 +/- 7.2 ml.kg-1.min-1 and for women it was 32 +/- 4.7 ml.kg-1.min-1. Significant differences in weight, height and VO2max were observed, being higher in men. The frequency of practice was significant between 4 and 7 times per week and those who have a duration of more than 10 years of practice. Conclusion: university athletes from the city of Manizales present physical deconditioning with minimum values of cardiorespiratory capacity, as a benchmark for ideal performance in competitive university events, these results should be a priority for the design and development of training programs.