Evaluating Cardiovascular Endurance Level in NCC Cadet through the 12 Minute Cooper Test: An Observational Study

Shahereem Shaikh, Bhagyasha Nandre

Abstract: Cardiovascular endurance is a crucial component of physical fitness required for sustained physical activity, particularly among National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets who undergo rigorous physical training. This observational study aimed to evaluate the level of aerobic endurance among NCC Senior Division and Senior Wing cadets and to analyze its association with gender and age using the 12-minute Cooper run/walk test. A total of 251 newly enrolled NCC cadets (112 males and 139 females) aged 17-23 years were assessed using convenience sampling. The distance covered in 12 minutes was recorded, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) was estimated using Cooper's formula. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation, and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. The results showed that the majority of cadets demonstrated good to excellent aerobic fitness, with a mean VO₂ max of 38.97 ± 3.28 ml/kg/min. Males exhibited significantly higher VO₂ max values than females (p = 0.002), and a significant association was observed between gender and VO₂ max categories (p = 0.048). No significant correlation was found between age and VO₂ max. The study concludes that most NCC cadets possess adequate cardiovascular endurance; however, gender differences exist, highlighting the need for targeted fitness training programs.

Keywords: Cardiovascular endurance, National Cadet Corps (NCC), VO₂ max, 12-minute Cooper test, Aerobic fitness

How to Cite?: Shahereem Shaikh, Bhagyasha Nandre, "Evaluating Cardiovascular Endurance Level in NCC Cadet through the 12 Minute Cooper Test: An Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 164-166, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251224160210, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251224160210

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