The Relative Effectivness of Steady State Cardio and High Intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Students at School of Health Polytechnics, Surakarta
ABSTRACT Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness essential to prevent the risk cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the relative effectiveness of Steady State Cardio (SSC) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness in the early adult age group. Subjects and Method: This was a randomized control trial conducted at the School of Health Polytechnics, Surakarta, from October to November, 2019. A total sample 45 students was divided into 2 groups: (1) SSC group and (2) HIIT group. The dependent variable was cardiorespiratory fitness. The independent variables were SSC and HIIT. The measuring instrument was a multi-stage fitness involving a 20 meter long run. The results were converted into VO2max level. The data were analyzed by Mann Whitney. Results: After the intervention, the VO2max level was higher in the HIIT group (Mean= 24.28; SD= 5.42) than the SSC group (Mean= 21.66; SD= 6.99), but it was statistically non-significant (p= 0.503). Conclusion: Steady State Cardio and High Intensity Interval Training have comparable effect on cardiorespiratory fitness. Keywords: high intensity interval training, steady state cardio, cardiorespiratory fitness, VO2max Correspondence: Mei Kusumaningtyas. School of Health Polytechnics, Surakarta. Jl. Adi Sumarmo, Tohudan, Colomadu, Karanganyar, Indonesia. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: 085725646444 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.05.08