Analysis of Physiological Variables in Physical Education Students: Implications for Performance and Health

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate selected physiological variables among undergraduate Physical Education students and analyze their implications for athletic performance and overall health.Methods:A total of 30 Physical Education students (15 male, 15 female) aged 18–23 years were selected from Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Physical Education, Perambalur. Resting heart rate (RHR), VO₂ max, blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), and body composition were measured using standard protocols. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation. Results: Male students demonstrated significantly higher VO₂ max (50 ± 6 ml/kg/min) compared to females (42 ± 5 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001). Resting heart rate was lower in males (64 ± 6 bpm) than females (68 ± 9 bpm, p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.58) was found between body fat percentage and VO₂ max. Conclusion: Physiological variables such as VO₂ max, RHR, and body composition strongly influence performance and health in PE students. Regular endurance training and targeted physical conditioning are recommended to optimize these parameters.