Correlation between sleep parameters and VO2max in physiotherapy students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53713/nhsj.v5i4.533

Keywords:

exercise, VO2max, sleep assessment, university student

Abstract

Sleep quality and quantity are essential for health and academic success in university students. This study examined the relationship between physical fitness and sleep parameters in physiotherapy students. Seventy-one healthy female physiotherapy students aged 18-24 from Walailak University participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants had normal BMI and mood conditions. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed sleep quality and quantity. Physical fitness was measured using the Astrand-Rhyming test protocol to determine maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Spearman's rank-order correlation analysis was performed to examine associations between variables. The global PSQI score was significantly negatively correlated with age (r = −0.297, p = 0.01). However, VO2max showed no significant correlation with sleep quality (r = 0.133, p = 0.27) or sleep quantity (r = -0.026, p = 0.82). No significant associations were found between VO2max and the overall PSQI score or individual PSQI components. As measured by VO2max, physical fitness does not significantly influence sleep quality or quantity in healthy female physiotherapy students. These findings suggest that factors other than physical fitness may be more important determinants of sleep in this population.

Author Biographies

Thawatchai Lukseng, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Department of Physical Therapy, Walailak University

Walailak University

Panya Jongpunyalert, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Department of Physical Therapy, Walailak University

Walailak University

Ketkanok Tongtip, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Department of Physical Therapy, Walailak University

Walailak University

Nawapum Pholsomboon, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Department of Physical Therapy, Walailak University

Walailak University

Buppha Kawkhum, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Department of Physical Therapy, Walailak University

Walailak University

de Lourdes , CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro

Department of Medical Sciences

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Published

2025-12-04

How to Cite

Lukseng, Thawatchai, Panya Jongpunyalert, Ketkanok Tongtip, Nawapum Pholsomboon, Buppha Kawkhum, Maria Pereira, and Valainipha Habuddha. “Correlation Between Sleep Parameters and VO2max in Physiotherapy Students”. Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ) 5, no. 4 (December 4, 2025): 442–451. Accessed January 9, 2026. https://nhs-journal.com/index.php/nhs/article/view/533.

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): December 2025

Section

Articles

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