Comparison of cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate responses in normal weight smoker and non smoker overweight & obese subjects: A pilot study

Smoking and obesity both are major contributing factor for developing morbidity and mortality affecting majority of population. Heart rate(HR) responses during or after exercise may lead to manifestation of cardiovascular diseases.. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular fitness and heart rate responses in normal weight smoker and non smoker overweight & obese subjects. Methods: A total of 30 subjects aged 18-35 years were selected on the basis of smoking history, body mass index, waist circumference and waist hip ratio and divided into normal weight smoker(n=15) and non smoker overweight & obese (n=15) groups . After baseline assessment resting heart rate was recorded and then all subjects underwent Rock port 1 mile test and then heart rate was recorded upto 5 minute of recovery period. Cardiorespiratory fitness was calculated in both groups. Then heart rate responses and cardiorespiratory fitness were compared in both the groups.