Analysis of Active Lifestyle on the Cardiovascular Fitness Level of Physical Education Students

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between an active lifestyle and the physical fitness level of university students, measured through VO₂max capacity. The research employed a quantitative approach with a correlational design, involving 30 students from the Physical Education Study Program, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Makassar. Data were collected using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity levels and the Indonesian Physical Fitness Test (TKJI) with the Bleep Test protocol to measure VO₂max. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, followed by Pearson correlation and simple linear regression tests with the aid of SPSS software. The results showed that most students had a high level of active lifestyle (46.67%) and a good level of cardiovascular fitness (63.33%). The correlation analysis produced an R value of 0.606 with a significance level of p < 0.05, while the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.368. These findings indicate a significant positive relationship between an active lifestyle and students’ cardiovascular fitness, where physical activity contributes 36.8% to the variation in VO₂max values. The results emphasize the importance of engaging in regular and structured physical activity to enhance students’ overall physical fitness.