IMPACT OF COLLEGE LIFE ON FITNESS DURING ADOLESCENCE: A PRE- AND POST- EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Adolescent physical inactivity is a growing concern in India, with college environments potentially influencing lifestyle habits and physical health. Given the decline in fitness levels during adolescence, targeted interventions are essential to prevent non-communicable diseases and promote long-term well-being. Objective: To analyze the impact of a structured college-program for physical fitness based on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and endurance in adolescent students. Method: An experimental pre-post study was conducted over 4 weeks with ten college students meeting specific inclusion criteria. Subjects participated in supervised exercise sessions (three times per week), involving aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Physical fitness parameters—VO₂ max, curl-ups, and trunk lift scores—were assessed before and after the intervention using validated field tests. Paired t-tests were performed to contrast before and after-exercise values. Result: Following