Simple resting tests predict fitness levels with surprising accuracy
Researchers found that basic cardiovascular measurements taken while patients rest—heart rate variability, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness—can predict exercise capacity better than previously thought. The discovery could reshape how gyms, insurers, and occupational health programs assess fitness without expensive lab testing.
Originaltitel: A detailed investigation of multiple resting cardiovascular parameters in relation to physical fitness
<p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> Maximal oxygen consumption at an exercise test (VO<sub>2</sub> -max) is a commonly used marker of physical fitness. In the present study, we aimed to find independent clinical predictors of VO<sub>2</sub> -max by use of multiple measurements of cardiac, respiratory and vascular variables collected while resting.</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong> In the Prospective study of Obesity, Energy and Metabolism (POEM), 420 subjects aged 50 years were investigated regarding endothelial function, arterial compliance, heart rate variability, arterial blood flow and atherosclerosis, left ventricular structure and function, lung function, multiple blood pressure measurements, life style habits, body composition and in addition a maximal bicycle exercise test with gas exchange (VO<sub>2</sub> and VCO<sub>2</sub> ).</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> When VO<sub>2</sub> -max (indexed for lean mass) was used as dependent variable and the 84 hemodynamic or metabolic variables were used as independent variables in separate sex-adjusted models, 15 variables showed associations with p<0.00064 (Bonferroni-adjusted). Eight independent variables explained 21% of the variance in VO<sub>2</sub> -max. Current smoking and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were the two major determinants of VO<sub>2</sub> -max (explaining each 7% and 3% of the variance; p<0.0001 and p=0.008, respectively). They were in order followed by vital capacity, fat mass, pulse pressure, and HDL-cholesterol. The relationships were inverse for all these variables, except for vital capacity and HDL.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Several metabolic, cardiac, respiratory and vascular variables measured at rest explained together with smoking 21% of the variation in VO<sub>2</sub> -max in middle-aged individuals. Of those variables, smoking and pulse wave velocity were the most important. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.</p>