The association between physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and self-rated health

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the joint association between self-reported physical activity as well as cardiorespiratory fitness and self-rated health among healthy women and men. MethodData from 10,416 participants in The Danish Health Examination Survey 2007–2008 which took part in 13 Danish municipalities were analyzed. Leisure time physical activity level and self-rated health were based on self-reported questionnaire data. Optimal self-rated health was defined as “very good” or “good” self-rated health. Cardiorespiratory fitness (mL O2·min−1·kg−1) was estimated from maximal power output in a maximal cycle exercise test. ResultsA strong dose–response relation between cardiorespiratory fitness and self-rated health as well as between physical activity level and self-rated health among both women and men was found. Within categories of physical activity, odds ratios for optimal self-rated health increased with increasing categories of cardiorespiratory fitness, and vice versa. Hence, participants who were moderately/vigorously physically active and had a high cardiorespiratory fitness had the highest odds ratio for optimal self-rated health compared with sedentary participants with low cardiorespiratory fitness (odds ratio=12.2, 95% confidence interval: 9.3–16.1). ConclusionAlthough reluctant to conclude on causality, this study suggests that an active lifestyle as well as good cardiorespiratory fitness probably increase self-rated health.