The influence of inborn athletic potential on choice of profession and exercise habits of paramedical students
Kruss, J.; Gordon, J.; Myburgh, K.H.; Noakes, T.D.
South African Medical Journal 76(10): 538-541
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 2588082 Document Number: 336592
Twenty physiotherapy and 15 pharmacology students from the 2nd-year paramedical class were studied to determine whether inborn athletic potential had influenced their choice of profession. Each subject completed a questionnaire and performed a graded treadmill test to exhaustion to determine maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), peak treadmill running velocity and ventilation threshold (VT). No difference was found between physiotherapy and pharmacy students in body mass, VO2max or running speed at VT, but physiotherapy students reached a higher peak treadmill velocity (P less than 0.01). Fewer pharmacy students participated in sport at university. To determine factors influencing participation in sport, students from both groups who exercised were compared with non-exercisers. Students who exercised had significantly higher VO2max, peak treadmill running velocity and VT, but differences were less than could be explained purely on the basis of superior genetic endowment. It is concluded: (i) that physiotherapy students do not have greater inborn athletic potential than pharmacy students; (ii) that exercising students show physiological adaptations compatible with a higher level of 'fitness', and (iii) that whereas lack of inborn athletic potential is not the reason why some students do not exercise regularly at university, inborn athletic potential may determine those who will exercise competitively.