Introduction. Physical fitness is an important indicator of adolescent health, closely related to cardiovascular function and the body's ability to perform physical activity. One physiological parameter reflecting cardiovascular system regulation is resting heart rate variability, which has the potential to serve as an objective indicator of physical fitness. This study aimed to examine the relationship between resting heart rate variability and physical fitness levels in adolescents. Methods. This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlational design. Fifty-eight students from SMP Negeri 3 Gowa were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Resting heart rate variability was measured using a digital heart rate monitor, while physical fitness levels were assessed using the Cooper test. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Pearson correlation test with SPSS version 25 at a significance level of 0.05. Results. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between resting heart rate variability and physical fitness levels (r = 0.462; p = 0.001). Adolescents with better resting heart rate variability tended to demonstrate higher levels of physical fitness. Conclusion. Resting heart rate variability is significantly associated with physical fitness levels in adolescents and shows potential as an objective physiological indicator for monitoring physical fitness.
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