Effectiveness of Fartlek Training on Maximum Oxygen Consumption in Young Obese Females- An Experimental Study

Background: Obesity is accumulation of excessive fat in adipose tissue due to which endurance is decreased leading to negative impact on cardiovascular endurance. The prevalence of obesity in females is more than in males that is 44.7%. Obesity leads to decrease in endurance and thus negative impact on cardiovascular endurance. VO2max is common measure of cardiopulmonary fitness. Endurance training leads to increased mitochondrial activity which decreases lactic acid accumulation at given VO2 and improving performance by enhancing fat oxidation. Fartlek training is a speed play which leads to improve the endurance capacity. Thus this study was aimed to find the effectiveness of Fartlek training on maximum oxygen consumption in young obese females. Material and Methodology: 30 subjects with obesity class I (n=30) were selected in this study, with age group 18-25 years based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with their consent. Fartlek training was given 4 days per week for 5 weeks. Queens College step test was used to assess the pre and post effects of the training. Results: Fartlek training showed significant effect on maximum oxygen consumption. Mean pre queens college step test of young obese females receiving Fartlek training was 39.2. Mean post queens college step test for the same was 42.2. The mean difference pre and post queens college step up test is zero (p=0.000). Conclusion: The study concluded that there was significant effect of Fartlek training on maximum oxygen consumption in young obese females. Key words: Obesity, young females, Cardiovascular endurance, Fartlek training, Queens College step test.