Evaluation of Fitness Index and Maximal Oxygen Consumption of Students Using the UKK 2 Km Walk Test

IntroductionInsufficient physical activity is a major health problem of one nation, a factor that greatly contributes to the emergence and development of chronic diseases and disorders, before all of the cardiovascular system, heart and blood vessel diseases, diabetes occurs (Blair, La Monte & Nichaman, 2004). There are many reasons for the scientific research of man's mental and physical abilities, such as: determination of certain parameters to assess the current capabilities as the basis for the development and implementation of training programs in the future, determining the effects of certain exercise programs, exercise programs verification. Human body is very complex and dynamic self-regulating system. It is complex because it consists of a series of integrated linked sub-systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous system) where impaired function of one system leads to impaired function of the other system. The self-regulating because it can independently of optimal regime of life activity when changing external or internal conditions. It is dynamic because it can change its state under the influence of other external factors (Blagajac Stejic, and Corovic, 1991). In physical education, one of the reasons for the psychophysical research of the human abilities is the determination of certain parameters in order to evaluate the current capabilities among the respondents of the population defined. On the basis of obtained results it can be determined the current state of psychological and physical abilities of the examined population, furthermore, a plan and some of the training program can be proposed. Some authors (Wilmore & Costill, 1986, Nikolic, 2003, Misigoj-Durakovic, 2008; Sharma, Subramanian, & Arunachalam, 2013) believe that functional capabilities (cardiovascular fitness and cardiovascular endurance) are accepted as the most important indicators of active health. Athletes, as part of their physical preparation must train components of fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, body composition). Each sport requires these components to some extent, because it cannot be any progress in the skill of any kind of sport, if it is not accompanied by the development of appropriate capabilities: strength, endurance (cardio-respiratory and muscular) and flexibility so that these components are taken as the most important physical skills (Cooper, 1982, Olja & Tuxwort, 1995). Although there is no complete agreement, in the Unated States most authors believe that the components of physical fitness are: cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, mobility and Body Composition (Brick, L.G. 1996, Stojiljkovic, 2005). American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPRED, 1989) agrees with these components and for their testing suggests the following tests: 1. Aerobic endurance- walking-jogging one mile (1609m), 2.The strength and endurance of muscles in the abdomen-raising in upper position (crunches), 3.The strength and endurance of muscles of the upper body-chin ups; 4.The mobility of the lower back and hips in a forward bend- sitting position; 5.Body Composition-skin folds. The difference between the definitions of the components of fitness by local authors in relation to American version is in body composition. Body composition cannot be treated as physical ability, but can be changed under the influence of exercise focused on the development of the mentioned abilities (strength development is usually accompanied by an increase in muscle mass, increase of aerobic endurance is often accompanied by a reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue). It can be an indirect indicator of the level of body fitness while on the other hand body composition can influence the physical ability and health (Guerra, Ribeiro, Costa, et al.2002; Mc Ardle et. all, 2006.)Physical inactivity and obesity in children and adolescents are considered as independent risk factors for the development of lifestyle related disorders like coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension in later life. …