Comparison of the Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise on Increasing Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Non-Athlete Students

Abstract

Background: Cardiorespiratory endurance is a primary indicator of physical fitness that describes the ability of the heart, lungs, and muscles to utilize oxygen optimally. Decreased cardiorespiratory endurance is often found in non-athlete students with low physical activity. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise are two types of exercise that can improve fitness, but have different physiological adaptation mechanisms. Objective: To analyze the comparative effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on improving cardiorespiratory endurance in non-athlete students. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group approach. The sample consisted of 30 non-athlete students aged 18–22 years who were divided into two groups: aerobic exercise (30 minutes of running, intensity 60–70% HRmax) and anaerobic exercise (30-second sprint intervals with 60 seconds of rest). Cardiorespiratory endurance was measured using the Cooper 12-Minute Run Test and converted to VO₂Max values. Data analysis used paired t-test and independent t-test with α = 0.05. Results: Both types of exercise significantly increased VO₂Max (p < 0.05). The average increase in VO₂Max in the aerobic group was 4.8 mL/kg/min, while in the anaerobic group it was 3.1 mL/kg/min. The independent t-test results showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.021), with aerobic exercise providing a greater increase. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise is more effective than anaerobic exercise in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in non-athlete students. The combination of both can be used as a training strategy to improve general fitness.