Aim: To assess the cardio respiratory fitness of physically active and inactive children in the age group of 10-15 years using YMCA-TMST. Objective: To assess and compare the cardio respiratory fitness of physically active and inactive children in the age group of 10-15 years using YMCA-TMST. Methodology: Children were recruited into active and inactive categories according to WHO guidelines. From amongst the 500 subjects who matched the inclusion criteria and gave consent/assent for the study, a stratified random sampling of 207 subjects was done as per their age, gender and activity status. Post a demonstration of the step test was shown to the study subjects wherein according to the step test protocol the participants stepped on and off a 30 step 24 times/minute for 3 minutes with the help of metronome set at 96 beats/minute. Pulse rate, recovery time and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were noted using Modified Borgs scale, were recorded pre and post the test. Statistics & Results: Data was collected on a data sheet & encoded for computerized analysis using SPSS version 22 for Windows. The post pulse rate (that is the pulse taken at first minute after the completion of the test) (P=<0.0001), RPE (P=<0.0001)and the recovery time for children in the age group of 10-15 years were compared and the results were found to be statistically significant(P=<0.0001).. Conclusions: The cardio respiratory fitness as measured through Pulse rate, Pulse recovery time and Rate of Perceived Exertion using YMCA-TMST was better in physically active children as compared to physically inactive children. Implication: This study fulfils the need for a quick, easy and feasible field test for cardiorespiratory fitness amongst the physically active and inactive children in the age group of 10-15 years using YMCA-TMST.
