Key Points
- This study aims to measure cardiorespiratory fitness among males and females at age 31 and relate it to physical activity and BMI.
- Analyzed responses from 8786 individuals to a postal inquiry about physical activity.
- Conducted step tests on 5497 participants and direct VO2peak measurements on 123 participants.
- Developed VO2peak prediction models based on heart rate, BMI, and exercise frequency.
- Mean VO2peak in males was 43.0 +/- 4.6 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) and in females was 34.3 +/- 4.3 ml.kg(-1).min(-1).
- A graded dose-response relationship was observed between brisk exercise frequency and VO2peak in all participants.
- Lower VO2peak levels were associated with infrequent brisk exercise and higher BMI.
Structured PICO
PPopulation8786 males and females from the Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966 at age 31.
OOutcomeCardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and its relationship to physical activity and body mass index (BMI)surrogate
This study provides reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness at age 31 and demonstrates that higher physical activity is associated with better fitness regardless of BMI.