A comparison of cardiopulmonary endurance, fatigue level, and life satisfaction among paramedical married working women and housewives

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical fitness is the ability to perform everyday work with enthusiasm and alertness, without undue exhaustion, and with the energy to enjoy leisure activities and respond to unforeseen situations. Working as an employee and in-house requires both physical as well mental health to accomplish daily tasks, therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate cardiopulmonary endurance, fatigue level, and life satisfaction among paramedical married working women and housewives. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-four women (32 paramedical married working women and 32 housewives) were recruited as per inclusion criteria. Outcome measures were 6-min walk test, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and satisfaction of life scale, performed to evaluate cardiopulmonary endurance, fatigue level, and life satisfaction, respectively. RESULTS: Unpaired t-test was performed to evaluate the significance in primary outcomes. Cardiorespiratory endurance was statistically significant in paramedical working women (P = 0.001), but no significance of difference in fatigue level (P = 0.455) and life satisfaction (0.6625) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although there is a statistical difference in cardiorespiratory endurance, working women are fully satisfied with their jobs as well as handling the responsibility of home and housewives are happy with working at house and managing family responsibilities without undue fatigue.