Cardiorespiratory Endurance Levels of Physical Education Students at FKIP Universitas Syiah Kuala, Class of 2023

Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to determine the level of cardiorespiratory endurance among students of the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation Study Program (Penjaskesrek), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), class of 2023. Cardiorespiratory endurance is one of the essential indicators that support physical fitness, which directly influences students' learning capacity and daily physical activities.

Material and Method. This research employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive study design. The population consisted of 100 students from the Penjaskesrek FKIP USK class of 2023. A sample of 56 students was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through the 15-minute running test (Balke test), which aimed to measure the working endurance of the heart and lungs and to calculate the students' VO2 Max capacity.

Results. The findings revealed that the cardiorespiratory endurance level of male students  was categorized as excellent, with an average VO2 Max of 63.27 ml/kg/min, achieved by 30 students (71.42%). Similarly, female students also demonstrated an excellent category, with an average VO2 Max of 56.21 ml/kg/min, achieved by 13 students (92.85%).

Conclusion. In general, the cardiorespiratory endurance of Penjaskesrek FKIP USK students from the class of 2023 is classified as excellent. Based on these results, it is recommended that a structured and continuous physical fitness training program be implemented to maintain and improve students' cardiorespiratory endurance. Furthermore, the study suggests that the study program should reinstate regular physical fitness tests as part of the routine evaluation of students' physical capabilities to support their readiness for practice-based coursework