Key result
Between 1995 and 2017, relative cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish workforce decreased by 10.8%, and the proportion of adults with low fitness increased from 27% to 46% (P<0.001).
Observational (n=354,277)
Yes
Absolute Event Rate: 46% vs 27%
p-value: p=<0.001
There was a steady and pronounced decline in mean cardiorespiratory fitness in Swedish adults between 1995 and 2017, with the proportion of individuals with low fitness almost doubling.
Raises CV risk concerns in working adults; leaves open causal factors and interventions.
Background Long‐term trend analyses of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2 max) in the general population are limited. Objectives To describe trends in VO 2 max from 1995 to 2017 in the Swedish working force and to study developments across categories of sex, age, education, and geographic regions. Methods A total of 354 277 participants (44% women, 18‐74 years) who participated in a nationwide occupational health service screening between 1995 and 2017 were included. Changes in standardized mean values of absolute (L/min) and relative (mL/min/kg) VO 2 max, and the proportion with low (<32) relative VO 2 max are reported. VO 2 max was estimated using a submaximal cycle test. Results Absolute VO 2 max decreased by −6.7% (−0.19 L/min) in the total population. Relative VO 2 max decreased by −10.8% (−4.2 mL/min/kg) with approximately one‐third explained by a simultaneous increase in body mass. Decreases in absolute fitness were more pronounced in men vs women (8.7% vs 5.3%), in younger vs older (6.5% vs 2.3%), in short (11.4%) vs long (4.5%) education, and in rural vs urban regions (6.5% vs 3.5%), all P < 0.001. The proportions with low VO 2 max increased from 27% to 46% ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Between 1995 and 2017, there was a steady and pronounced decline in mean cardiorespiratory fitness in Swedish adults. Male gender, young age, short education, and living in a rural area were predictive of greater reductions. The proportion with low cardiorespiratory fitness almost doubled. Given the strong associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and multiple morbidities and mortality, preventing further decreases is a clear public health priority, especially for vulnerable groups.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ekblom‐Bak et al. (2018) conducted an observational in General population (n=354,277). Time period (1995 to 2017) vs. 1995 baseline was evaluated on Proportion with low (<32 mL/min/kg) relative VO2 max (p=<0.001). Between 1995 and 2017, relative cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish workforce decreased by 10.8%, and the proportion of adults with low fitness increased from 27% to 46% (P<0.001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: