EVALUATION OF CARDIAC AUTONOMIC CONTROL DURING SIX-MINUTE WALK TEST IN OBESE AMONG MEDICAL FACULTY STUDENTS OF UDAYANA UNIVERSITY

Abstrak

Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with various chronic diseases and tends to increase from adolescence to young adulthood, potentially contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease later in life. However, studies directly linking BMI and cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in adolescents and young adults, are limited. Early intervention is crucial to prevent serious consequences such as death from obesity. Functional capacity, which can be assessed through the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), is an important indicator in assessing the physical limitations of obese patients and guiding appropriate interventions. In this study, measurements were carefully taken in 75 participants (35 men and 40 women), with close monitoring of conditions before and after the 6MWT. One of the main focuses was Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which reflects the autonomic control of the heart. Results showed a significant relationship between BMI and HRV, where the higher the BMI, the lower the HRV (p=0.000), signaling the importance of early weight control to prevent cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.