Physical and Physiological Assessment of Vietnamese University Students

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive evaluation of both physical performance and underlying physiological parameters is essential to identify health and fitness status among young adults. This study aimed to characterize anthropometric, cardiorespiratory, autonomic, and motor performance profiles of undergraduates at the University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, and to benchmark their results against national standards.

Methods: Ninety-two healthy students (33 males, 59 females; 18–22 years) underwent measurements of height, body mass, and body mass index. Vital capacity was assessed via spirometry, and autonomic recovery was indexed by heart-rate decrease during the first minute post-exercise. Five standardized motor tests—handgrip strength, standing long jump, 30 m sprint, 30 s sit-ups, and a 5-minute run—were administered following Ministry of Education and Training guidelines. Compliance with “Pass” criteria was determined for each domain.

Results: Mean values (± SD) for handgrip strength (males: 42.3 ± 5.7 kg; females: 29.8 ± 4.2 kg), standing long jump (males: 2.15 ± 0.15 m; females: 1.80 ± 0.14 m), and 30 m sprint times (males: 4.85 ± 0.23 s; females: 5.37 ± 0.27 s) met or exceeded national norms in 78 % of participants. Vital capacity averaged 3.45 ± 0.52 L, and mean heart-rate recovery was 18.6 ± 4.3 bpm. Overall compliance rates ranged from 65 % (sit-ups) to 90 % (5-minute run).

Conclusions: Most participants demonstrated adequate musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory function, though core endurance showed lower compliance. These findings underscore the need for targeted intervention programs to enhance specific fitness domains in Vietnamese undergraduates.