HUBUNGAN TINGKAT AKTIVITAS FISIK DENGAN NILAI PREDIKSI FORCED VITAL CAPACITY (FVC) PADA MAHASISWA FISIOTERAPI UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG

Background: Physical inactivity has become a global health concern, with data indicating that approximately 23% of adults worldwide fail to meet physical activity recommendations. Reduced physical activity levels may negatively impact pulmonary function, particularly Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), which reflects the elasticity of the lungs and the strength of respiratory muscles. Physiotherapy students, despite their health science background, may also be susceptible to sedentary behavior, making this population an important subject of investigation.
Purpose: To determine the relationship between physical activity levels and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in physiotherapy students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang.
Method: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted involving 81 physiotherapy students aged 18-24 years. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), categorized by MET scores. FVC was measured using spirometry. Data were analyzed using Spearman Rank Correlation.
Result: Of 81 respondents, 46 were female and 35 male. The majority (54 respondents) had moderate physical activity levels (MET 600-3000), 15 had high activity (MET >3000), and 12 had low activity (MET <600). Regarding FVC, 63 respondents were in the normal category (>80% predicted) and 18 were in the restrictive category (<80% predicted). Spearman correlation analysis revealed r = 0.494 with p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a moderate positive significant correlation.
Conclusion: There is a significant positive moderate-strength relationship between physical activity levels and FVC in physiotherapy students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. Higher physical activity levels are associated with better FVC values. These findings support the implementation of regular aerobic physical activity programs as a preventive strategy for pulmonary function decline.