Effectiveness of Adding Lower Extremity Strengthening Exercises on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement of Hajj Pilgrims Candidate

Abstract

Introduction: Good health condition of Hajj pilgrims candidate will support the optimal performance of worship and decrease morbidity. One of the important health parameters is cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise is important for improving cardiorespiratory fitness. The level of participation and implementation of structured training activities among Hajj pilgrims candidate is still lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of additional lower extremity strengthening exercises on the cardiorespiratory fitness of prospective Hajj pilgrims who received walking aerobic training.

Method: The research was conducted in Salatiga City in February-March 2023. The research design was a randomized control trial, the subjects were 36 Hajj pilgrims candidate, divided into treatment group (n=18) and control group (n=18). The treatment group was given lower extremity strengthening exercise 2x/week intensity 40-50% 1-RM, 2-4 set, 20 repetition and walking aerobic exercise 30 minutes 5x/week and the control group performed walking aerobic exercise 30 minutes 5x/week. Training was carried out for 6 weeks. Measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) with a 6 minute walk test before and after intervention.

Result: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean pre- and post-intervention VO2max values at the treatment group (19.53 ± 4.76; p=0.0002) and the control group (18.36 ± 3.38; p=0.000). The increase of the mean difference/delta VO2max between groups was higher at the treatment group than the control group (4.16 ± 2.03 vs 2.87 ± 1.89; p = 0.031).

Conclusion: The addition of lower extremity strengthening exercises to walking aerobics can increase cardiorespiratory fitness higher in hajj pilgrims candidate compared to walking aerobics alone.