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Body weight, physical activity critical in cardiorespiratory fitness
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American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2010
CHICAGO — The two most important determinants for optimal cardiorespiratory fitness are body mass index and physical activity, according to an analysis presented at the annual meeting.
Researchers enrolled 20,015 patients who presented for comprehensive medical examinations. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined via exercise testing, and the researchers developed a physical activity index. The index was divided into five categories (0=inactive; 1=non-running activities; 2=0 to 10 miles per week running; 3=11 to 20 miles per week running; 4=>20 miles per week running), and linear regression modeling was used to determine clinical factors associated with time achieved on the treadmill.
According to the results, age, sex, BMI and physical activity were the factors most associated with fitness, and they explained 56% of the variance of cardiorespiratory fitness. Apart from those, the combined factors of current smoking, systolic BP, glucose, HDL and LDL levels and health status were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (P<.05).
In addition, the researchers reported a significant relationship between BMI and physical activity on cardiorespiratory fitness, suggesting that individuals with normal body weight achieved higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness for a given level of physical activity than obese individuals. This interaction was driven by percent body fat rather than lean body mass.
“Body weight and physical activity are the most important modifiable determinants of fitness,” Susan Lakoski, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said in a presentation. “These data suggest that we need to attain normal weight status to obtain the most benefit from physical activity.”
Lakoski reported no relevant disclosures. – by Eric Raible
For more information:
- Lakoski S. Abstract 11438. Presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2010; Nov. 13-17; Chicago.