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Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an indicator of cardiovascular health, usually expressed as VO2max. VO2max is the capacity of our body to transport and utilize oxygen during maximal exertion. The present study attempts to assess the level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in medical students and compare VO2max between physically active and insufficiently active students. Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was conducted in 246 medical students (123 males and females each) of age between 18 to 23 years in National Medical College, Birgunj. After obtaining ethical clearance, screening was done with American College of Sports Medicine participants screening questionnaire. Students were classified as physically active and insufficiently active by using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. VO2max was calculated from recovery heart rate counted from fifth to twentieth second of recovery after step test. Finally, subjects were categorized into different level of cardiorespiratory fitness based on their VO2max values. Results: Present study found 33.6% of insufficiently physical active students. Females had higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity (40.6%) than males (26.8%). The VO2max of male and female was 46.79 ± 8.98 and 36.15 ± 4.66 ml/Kg/min respectively. Majority of female participants had ‘average’ VO2max whereas in male, distribution is almost equal in ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and ‘fair’ category. Conclusion: Around one-third of medical students did not meet the level of physical activity recommended by WHO for health. Majority of them had ‘average’ level of VO2max and those physically active had better cardiorespiratory fitness.

Introduction Yoga is a practice of mind and body that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate. It is considered one of many complementary and integrative health approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental discipline that may help achieve a healthy body and peaceful mind. In this study, we aim to assess knowledge and awareness regarding yoga and its benefit among preclinical students. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study includes 176 preclinical medical students of National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal. A total of 14 self-designed close-ended questionnaires regarding knowledge and awareness about Yoga were used as a study tool. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, 2010. Results Among 176 preclinical students, 77.84% had the habit of practicing yoga, but only 14.20% of students continued it. About 96.59% of students knew the benefits of yoga. Conclusion The result of the study reveals that there is a positive influence of practicing yoga among students. By practicing yoga, it is capable to achieve personal abilities such as stress management, attention in their work, and maintenance of physical and mental health.

INTRODUCTIONCholelithiasis is a common presentation in the department of surgery. One of the potential risk factors of cholelithiasis is obesity, which is a common problem faced by most adult population. The aim of this study is to see the association of cholelithiasis with body mass index among different age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis cross-sectional study was done in the Department of General Surgery of National Medical College, Birgunj. Ethical clearance (Ref. F-NMC/565/078-079) was obtained from the institutional review committee. Total of 75 subjects were included in the study. Subjects presenting with cholelithiasis in the out-patient department of Surgery were included in the study. Height and weight of the subjects were recorded along with age and other parameters. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the Quetelet’s formula, weight in kg/ height in m2. The body mass index was than categorized according to World Health Organization. RESULTSThe mean age of the total participants was 43.85±11.82 years. The mean BMI was 25.81±9.95 kg/m2. Among the age group 20 – 35 years 30% were overweight and 15% were obese where as in age group 36 – 50 years 44.4 % were overweight and 11.2 % were obese. Similarly in participants above 50 years 32.1% were overweight and only 3.6% were obese. CONCLUSIONCholelithiasis is one of the common surgical problems. Number of patients with gallstones increases with increasing age. In this study, more number patients are seen with normal BMI. However, higher number of patients are found having overweight or obesity in the age group of 36-50 years.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic condition with an increase in adipose tissues. It is known to affect various systems of body including the central nervous system. Reaction time is a measure of the integrity of the central nervous system which is an integrated voluntary response to a stimulus that includes receiving and processing of stimulus, drawing inference, and generating a motor response. This study was conducted with the objective of finding a relationship between body mass index, a measure of obesity and simple visual reaction time. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 60 participants aged 18-25 years. The body mass index of participants was calculated using Quetelet’s index, calculated by weight in kilograms divided by square of height in meter. Deary-Liewald reaction time task software version 3.10 was used to analyze their simple visual reaction time. Correlation of reaction time and body mass index was assessed using Pearson’s correlation test. Results: A weak positive correlation (r= 0.17) was observed between body mass index and simple visual reaction time but the correlation coefficient was not statistically significant (p=0.19). Conclusions: Slower visual reaction time with an increase in body mass index was noted. But the findings of current study were inadequate to deduce if any linear relationship exists between simple visual reaction time and body mass index.

Background: The Queens College Step Test is used to determine aerobic fitness. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is the maximum rate of forceful exhalation following full inspiration. PEFR primarily reflects bronchial airflow and depends on the voluntary effort and muscular strength of the individual. Studies that correlate ventilatory capacity with body fat percentage are rare in published literature in Nepalese settings. Body fat percentage is regarded as a better indicator of obesity recently. Hence, this study aims to find an association between post-exercise change in PEFR and body adiposity in the context of Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 20th July 2019 to 15th November in the laboratory of Clinical Physiology of Maharajgunj Medical Campus. Body fat percentage was measured by using OMRON BF 214. Pre-exercise PEFR of each subject was recorded by using Wright’s peak flow meter. Post-exercise PEFR was also recorded after three minutes of Queen’s College step test, which is the submaximal exercise test, and change in PEFR was calculated and correlated with body fat percentage. Result: The study showed a negative correlation of change in PEFR with body fat percentage (r=-0.324; P