High Fitness Categories Research Articles

Fit and Tipsy? The Interrelationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Alcohol Consumption and Dependence.

To examine whether higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are related to increased alcohol consumption and dependence among a large sample of adults attending a preventive medicine clinic. A cross-sectional study of 38,653 apparently healthy patients who visited the Cooper Clinic (Dallas, TX) for preventive medical examinations (1988-2019) and enrolled in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. The primary independent variable was cardiorespiratory fitness, based on a maximal treadmill test, and the dependent variables were alcohol consumption and dependence (self-reported). The relations between fitness category (low, moderate, high) and alcohol consumption (low, moderate, heavy) and suggested alcohol dependence (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener score ≥2) among women and men were estimated via multivariable regression while adjusting for covariates (e.g., age, birth year cohort, marital status, and body mass index). Women within the moderate and high fitness categories had 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-1.91) and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.77-2.58) greater odds of moderate/heavy alcohol consumption, respectively, in comparison to their low fitness counterparts. Similarly, moderate and high fit men had 1.42 (95% CI, 1.30-1.55) and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.49-1.80) times greater odds of moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption, respectively, in comparison to the low fitness group. In addition, among men who were heavy drinkers (but not women), higher fitness levels were related to lower rates of suggested alcohol dependence. Specifically, these men had 45.7%, 41.7%, and 34.9% proportions of clinically relevant alcohol problems across low, moderate, and high fitness categories (adjusted P for trend <0.001). Higher fitness levels are significantly related to greater alcohol consumption among a large cohort of adult patients. Interventions focusing on increasing fitness (via physical activity promotion) might consider concurrently aiming to reduce alcohol consumption.

Longitudinal associations of physical fitness and body mass index with academic performance.

No studies have analyzed the longitudinal associations of change in physical fitness components and obesity with academic performance. The aim of the study was to examine longitudinal associations of changes in physical fitness components and body mass index with academic performance among youth, and whether the physical fitness components are moderators of the longitudinal association between obesity and academic performance in youth. Longitudinal analyses (2years) included 1802 youths. Physical fitness components were assessed following the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery. Academic performance was assessed via school records. Youth in the persistently high cardiorespiratory fitness and motor ability categories (ie, fit at baseline and at 2-year follow-up) had higher academic performance at follow-up than those in the persistently low category. Further, youth with normal weight at baseline and overweight/obesity at follow-up had lower academic performance scores at follow-up compared to those with normal weight. Also, cardiorespiratory fitness may ameliorate the negative influence of excess body mass index on academic performance at follow-up. Promoting physical activity programs at school that include both aerobic exercise and motor tasks to improve physical fitness and reduce body mass index may not only improve physical health, but also contribute toward successful academic development.

Acute Soy Supplementation Improves 20-km Time Trial Performance, Power, and Speed.

Isoflavones, a chemical class of phytoestrogens found in soybeans and soy products, may have biological functions similar to estradiol. After binding with ERβ or perhaps independently of estrogen receptors, isoflavones may augment vascular endothelial relaxation, contributing to improved limb blood flow. To determine if acute fermented soy extract supplementation influences 20-km time trial cycling performance and cardiac hemodynamics compared with a placebo. Subjects included 25 cyclists and triathletes (31 ± 8 yr, V˙O2peak: 55.1 ± 8.4 mL·kg·min). Each subject completed a V˙O2peak assessment, familiarization, and two 20-km time trials in randomized order after ingestion of a fermented soy extract supplement or placebo. The fermented soy extract consisted of 30 g powdered supplement in 16 fl. ounces of water. The placebo contained the same quantities of organic cocoa powder and water. Each trial consisted of 60 min of rest, 30 min at 55% Wpeak, and a self-paced 20-km time trial. Soy supplementation elicited a faster time to 20-km completion (-0.22 ± 0.51 min; -13 s), lower average HR (-5 ± 7 bpm), and significantly greater power (7 ± 3 W) and speed (0.42 ± 0.16 km·h) during the last 5 km of the time trial compared with placebo. Analysis of the results by relative fitness level (<57 vs ≥ 57 mL⋅kg⋅min) indicated that those with a higher level of fitness reaped the largest performance improvement alongside a reduced HR (-5 ± 7 bpm). Ingestion of a fermented soy extract supplement improved sprint-distance performance through improvements in both power and speed. For those with great aerobic fitness, soy supplementation may help to decrease cardiac demand alongside performance improvement.

Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Incident Glaucoma.

This study aimed to examine the associations of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (hereafter fitness) with incident glaucoma in a prospective observational study. Physical activity was measured by self-reported leisure-time activities, and fitness was measured by maximal treadmill test. Incident glaucoma was defined based on physician diagnosis. Participants were 9519 men and women between the ages of 40 and 81 yr old (mean age 50 yr) who were enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression after adjusting for age, sex, race, examination year, smoking status, heavy alcohol drinking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, abnormal ECG, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A total of 128 cases of incident glaucoma were reported during a mean follow-up of 5.7 yr. A significantly lower risk of incident glaucoma (HR = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.35-0.79) was found in individuals who met the physical activity guidelines of ≥500 MET·min·wk compared with inactive individuals (0 MET·min·wk). Compared with low fitness (lower third), individuals with high fitness (upper third) also had a significantly lower risk of incident glaucoma (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.38-0.95). A joint analysis of physical activity and fitness showed that meeting physical activity guidelines and being in the high fitness category was associated with the lowest risk for developing glaucoma (HR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.31-0.79). These data provide epidemiological evidence that meeting physical activity guidelines or being fit reduces the risk of developing glaucoma.

The “Fit But Fat” Concept

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) have been used to estimate the proportion of US adults who have high, moderate, and low fitness levels by body mass index (BMI) category. These data have also been used to construct categories for fitness. However, these categories are often weighted unevenly to be more inclusive in the moderate and high-fitness categories. PURPOSE: To cross-classify adults in the US population by fitness level and BMI, as well as fitness level and body composition, and to calculate the percentage of the population that can be classified as “fit but fat” using tertiles. METHODS: Three NHANES datasets covering six years (1999-2004) were included in this study, with a total of 6,648 records meeting the eligibility criteria. Fitness and body composition gender and age-specific percentile ranks were determined from norms published by the Cooper Clinic. A pair of matrices were created to report counts, means and standard errors by body composition level versus fitness level and BMI group versus fitness level. RESULTS: The BMI matrix showed that 32.9 ± 1.0% of the population was classified as overweight, and 24.9 ± 0.9% was classified as obese. Further, 9.9 ± 0.7% and 6.7 ± 0.5% of the overweight and obese groups respectively, were classified in the top one-third for fitness. The body composition matrix (based on percent body fat) showed that 18.1 ± 1.0% were categorized in the middle third, and 68.4 ± 1.3% were categorized in the lowest tertile (high percent body fat). Additionally, 6.6 ± 0.6% and 21.0 ± 0.9% of the overweight and obese groups respectively, were classified in the fittest tertile. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the notion that one can be “fit but fat,” but most are not. Further, there is a large discrepancy in defining “fat”. Two-thirds of the population was ranked below the 35th percentile in body composition (compared to 57.8% of the population qualifying as overweight or obese), and more of these individuals are of low fitness than in any other fitness category. These data further support the notion that BMI is a misleading classification and utilizing a more robust measure to qualify fatness may be necessary.

The association of fitness with reduced cardiometabolic risk among smokers.

Despite the health benefits associated with smoking cessation, continued smoking and relapse following cessation are common. Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in general, though less is known about how cardiorespiratory fitness may influence cardiometabolic risk among smokers. Strategies are needed to protect against the health consequences of smoking among those unwilling or unable to quit smoking. The purpose of this study is to determine whether greater cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with reduced metabolic risk among smokers. The prospective influence of estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., maximal METs) on the development of metabolic syndrome and its components were examined among adult smokers (N=1,249) who completed at least two preventive medical visits at the Cooper Clinic (Dallas TX) between 1979 and 2011. Statistical analyses were completed in 2013 and 2014. The rate and risk for metabolic syndrome, as well as abnormal fasting glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels declined linearly with increases in cardiorespiratory fitness (all p<0.05). Smokers in the moderate and high fitness categories had significantly reduced risk of developing metabolic syndrome and elevated fasting glucose relative to smokers in the lowest fitness category. In addition, smokers in the high fitness category were less likely to develop abnormal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moderate to high cardiorespiratory fitness among smokers is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing certain cardiovascular disease risk factors and metabolic syndrome.

Physical fitness and depressive symptoms during army basic combat training.

Mental health-related problems are a significant cause of attrition during basic combat training (BCT). Evidence in civilian populations suggests that physical fitness is associated with psychological benefits in civilians, but little is known about the association between physical fitness and psychological adjustment during BCT. This study prospectively examined the association between physical fitness and depressive symptoms in 300 BCT soldiers from May to July 2012 at Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC. Soldiers completed a baseline Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and survey within 1 wk of arriving at BCT and an end-of-cycle survey after 8 wk of BCT. Soldiers were assigned to the "high" fitness category if they had a passing score on the standard APFT of greater than or equal to 180 out of 300 points. Soldiers scoring less than 180 points on the APFT were assigned to the "low" fitness category. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. In multivariate analyses, adjusting for baseline demographics, self-reported sleep before BCT, BCT confidence, Army identification, and depressive symptoms, the odds of reporting depressive symptoms were 60% lower for soldiers in the high fitness category (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.84) compared with soldiers in the low fitness category. Analogous to other positive outcomes of soldier fitness, improvement of soldier physical fitness before BCT might improve soldiers' psychological health outcomes.

Comparison of Two Proposed Guidelines for Aerobic Training Sessions

The purpose was to compare 24 participants' acute physiological and affective responses to two aerobic prescriptions in three sessions. Anthropometry, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and VO2max were recorded. In subsequent visits two aerobic prescriptions were randomly applied: one based on VO2max (PBVO2max) and another based on physical activity level (PBPA). Physiological and affective variables were measured in each session. The PBVO2max showed lower risk for dropout than the PBPA. An effect size analysis showed higher ratings on the Feeling Scale in the PBVO2max session at the end of exercise. After categorizing participants by fitness (High, Medium, and Low) according to VO2max, significant differences were observed for the training impulse between Low and High fitness categories, indicating PBVO2Max were sensitive in distinguishing levels of fitness. The PBVO2max, compared to PBPA, seems to provide better physiological and affective responses. VO2max (even if estimated) is recommended as the basis for aerobic prescriptions.

Fitness, fatness and survival in elderly populations

This study examines the relative importance of fitness versus fatness in predicting mortality in elderly populations aged 70 years and over, and whether fitness may account for the 'paradoxical' relationship between better survival and increasing weight. Four thousand community-living Chinese men and women aged 65 years or over were recruited and stratified so that approximately 33% were in each of the age groups: 65-69, 70-74, and 75 or above. Medical history, height, weight, waist-hip ratio, body composition using DEXA, and walking speed were obtained. They were followed up for a mean of 7.0 years to ascertain death. Compared with the high fitness category, those in the moderate and low categories have a 43% and 68% increased risk of mortality at 7 years adjusting for multiple confounders. When mortality risk according to various fatness indicators was examined, only the lowest quartile of BMI, BFI, and FLMR conferred statistically significant increased risk. Fitness categories were significantly associated with all fatness indicators. The finding of fewer people in the high fitness category among the highest quartiles of other fatness indicators suggests that fitness is not the underlying mechanism for the obesity paradox. Within each quartile of fatness indicator, there was a significant trend towards reduced mortality with increasing fitness. In conclusion, the study confirms the beneficial effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on mortality but does not explain the 'obesity paradox'. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining physical fitness through exercise and re-confirm the importance of weight maintenance in reducing mortality risk.

Independent and Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Fitness on Stroke in Men

Introduction: Recent studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent predictors of stroke in men. The combined associations of these 2 factors are not well established. Objective: To investigate the independent and joint associations of PA and CRF with fatal, nonfatal, and total stroke in a group of men. Methods: The current analyses included 45 689 men aged 18 to 100 years who completed baseline sessions between 1970 and 2001. All participants had no known myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire, and CRF was assessed from a maximal treadmill exercise test. The National Death Index for fatal stroke and mail-back surveys for nonfatal stroke were used to ascertain cases. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of stroke outcomes. Results: There were 619 cases over 800 582 person-years of observation. Significant inverse associations were observed between CRF and fatal, nonfatal, and total strokes after adjustment for age and examination year (P for trend < 0.05 for each). No associations were found between PA and any of the 3 outcomes after adjusting for other covariates and CRF. Joint associations of 9 PA fitness groups showed less risk for total stroke in the moderate and high fitness categories. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CRF is an independent predictor of incident stroke in asymptomatic men.

Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness on the Development of Incident Hypertension

Fitness and physical activity are each inversely associated with the development of hypertension. We tested whether fitness and physical activity were independently associated with the 20-year incidence of hypertension in 4618 men and women. Hypertension was determined in participants who had systolic blood pressure >or=140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure >or=90 mm Hg or who reported antihypertensive medication use. Fitness was estimated based on the duration of a symptom-limited graded exercise treadmill test, and physical activity was self-reported. The incidence rate of hypertension was 13.8 per 1000 person-years (n=1022). Both baseline fitness (hazard ratio: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.56 to 0.70 per SD]; 2.9 minutes) and physical activity (hazard ratio: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.79 to 0.84 per SD]; 297 exercise units) were inversely associated with incident hypertension when included jointly in a model that also adjusted for age, sex, race, baseline smoking status, systolic blood pressure, alcohol intake, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, dietary fiber, dietary sodium, fasting glucose, and body mass index. The magnitude of association between physical activity and hypertension was strongest among participants in the high fitness (hazard ratio: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.68 to 0.94]) category, whereas the magnitude of association between fitness and hypertension was similar across tertiles of physical activity. The estimated proportion of hypertension cases that could be prevented if participants moved to a higher fitness category (ie, preventive fraction) was 34% and varied by race and sex group. Fitness and physical activity are each associated with incident hypertension, and low fitness may account for a substantial proportion of hypertension incidence.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and coronary artery calcification in young adults: The CARDIA Study

Whether cardiorespiratory fitness relates to early subclinical atherosclerotic vascular disease remains unknown. We investigated the relation of cardiorespiratory fitness to coronary artery calcification (CAC) in 2373 African-American and White young adults from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. We measured cardiorespiratory fitness in 1985–1986 (baseline) using a symptom-limited exercise test on a treadmill. Coronary calcium scores were measured in 2001–2002 (year 15) using electron-beam or multi-detector computed tomography. CAC was classified as present or absent, while cardiorespiratory fitness was classified as sex-specific low, moderate, and high fitness categories. After adjustment for age, sex, race, clinical center, education, cigarette smoking, waist girth, alcohol intake, physical activity, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use, diabetes mellitus, and fasting insulin, baseline cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely associated with prevalence of CAC in young adults (P for trend=0.03). The odds ratios of having CAC for persons in the moderately and highly fit individuals were 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–1.15) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.36–0.97), respectively, as compared with the low-fit individuals. High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with a lower risk of having coronary calcification 15 years later in African-American and White young adults.

Comparison of Fitness Levels and Metabolic Markers in Apparently Healthy College Aged Students

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between fitness level, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids in apparently healthy college-age students. METHODS: Forty participants reported once to the Human Performance laboratory for completion of University approved informed consent forms and data collection. All participants completed a submaximal (85% age-predicted maximal heart rate) cycle ergometer test to determine fitness level, Body Mass Index (BMI), and provided a fasting blood sample. The participant sample included 66% Caucasian, 32% Black and 2% Hispanic, with 80% female and 20% male. All subjects were divided into either a low fitness category (<21.6 ml/kg/min) or high fitness category (≥ 21.6 ml/kg/min) for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Independent t-tests revealed the lower fitness level group had greater BMI (32.5 vs. 23.9; p < 0.000), and higher insulin levels [mean (SD) - 12.44(7.13) vs 7.27(3.95) uU/mL, p<0.01]. The lower fitness group had higher but not significantly different glucose [91.0(8.6) vs 86.5(5.8) mg/dL], total cholesterol [197.4(40.7) vs 186.6(30.4) mg/dL], triglyceride [112.9(79.8) vs 86.1(34.9) mg/dL], and lower HDL [54.9(13.7) vs 61.2(11.6) mg/dL] values. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that apparently healthy college students with lower fitness levels have a metabolic profile that indicates potential insulin resistance and may be at a higher risk for diabetes and other related diseases and disorders.

Exercise Capacity and 24-h Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive Men and Women

Prehypertensive individuals are at increased risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease compared to those with normal blood pressure (BP). Physically active, normotensive individuals are also at lower risk for developing hypertension than sedentary individuals. We assessed the relationship between fitness and 24-h ambulatory BP in prehypertensive men and women. We assessed exercise capacity and 24-h BP in 407 men (age 51 +/- 11 years) and 243 women (age 54 +/-10 years) with resting systolic BP 120 to 139 mm Hg and diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm Hg, defined as prehypertension. Fitness categories (low, moderate, and high) were established according to exercise time and age. Multiple regression analysis revealed that fitness status was inversely associated with ambulatory BP in both genders (P < .001). After adjusting for various confounders, individuals in the lowest fitness category had significantly higher 24-h, daytime, and night-time BP than those in the moderate and high fitness categories. For men, differences between low and moderate fitness categories were 6/4 mm Hg, 8/4 mm Hg, and 7/3 mm Hg for 24-h, daytime, and night-time BP, respectively (P < .05). For women, the differences were 8/5 mm Hg, 9/5 mm Hg, and 8/7 mm Hg for 24-h, daytime, and night-time BP, respectively. Similar differences were evident in both genders between low and high fitness category (P < .05). Moderate physical activity promotes lower BP during a 24-h period in prehypertensive men and women. The risk for developing hypertension is likely to be lowered if moderate intensity physical activity in this vulnerable population is encouraged.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is an Independent Predictor of Hypertension Incidence among Initially Normotensive Healthy Women

The authors examined the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and incident hypertension in women who were normotensive and free of cardiovascular disease at baseline in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (Dallas, Texas), 1970-1998. A total of 4,884 women performed a maximal treadmill exercise test and completed a follow-up health survey. During an average follow-up of 5 years, 157 incident cases of self-reported, physician-diagnosed hypertension were identified from the health surveys. The cumulative incidence of hypertension was 3.2%. Compared with the rates of low-fit women, crude hypertension rates were 60% and 79% lower among women in the moderate and high fitness categories, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjustment for several potential confounders, the odds ratios for hypertension were 1.0, 0.61 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30, 1.21), and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.73) in low-, moderately, and highly fit women, respectively (p(trend) < 0.01). Each 1-metabolic equivalent increment in treadmill performance was, on average, associated with a 19% (95% CI: 10, 27; p < 0.001) lower odds of incident hypertension. The pattern and strength of association between fitness and hypertension persisted in analyses stratified on body mass index, age, and the presence of prehypertension at baseline. An active lifestyle should be promoted for the primary prevention of hypertension in women.

Relative Contributions of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Visceral Fat to Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of endurance fitness and visceral fat accumulation on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese male patients with either an impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The subjects of this cross-sectional study consisted of 135 Japanese male patients with either IGT or type 2 DM who had not taken any medication or intervention. They were classified into three fitness categories (low, moderate, and high) based on the tertiles of their maximal oxygen uptake ( [Formula: see text] O(2)max) predicted by the Astrand nomogram using a cycle ergometer. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the WHO criteria. The visceral fat area (VFA) was determined using a computed tomography scan. The age- and VFA-adjusted odds ratio was 3.49 (95% CI, 1.13-10.82) for subjects in the low fitness category in comparison to those in the high fitness category. We calculated the odds ratio for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the nine categories classified based on the three VFA and three [Formula: see text] (2)max levels. In Moderate- and Low- [Formula: see text] (2) max categories, the odds ratios increased in line with increases in the VFA level. The highest odds ratios were observed in the low fitness and high visceral fat group. In the High- [Formula: see text] O(2)max category, no significant odds ratios were observed in the Moderate- and High-VFA categories. These results indicate that a high degree of cardiorespiratory fitness positively contributed to the low prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese male patients with IGT and type 2 DM.

Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and their Relationship to Cardiovascular Risk Factors in African Americans and Non-African Americans With Above-Optimal Blood Pressure

This report describes cross-sectional associations among physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, dietary habits, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a large sample (n = 810) of African Americans (n = 279) and non-African Americans (n = 531) with above-optimal blood pressure. Participants in PREMIER, a clinical trial for blood pressure control through lifestyle approaches, underwent baseline assessments to determine physical activity level, cardiorespiratory fitness category, dietary intake, and CVD risk factors. Mean levels of body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, daily percent calories from fat and saturated fat, daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and daily fiber intake were examined across three physical activity levels and two fitness categories. Hypertension status was also assessed. Data were stratified by sex and ethnicity. For all participants, those in the low fitness category had higher BMI levels. Total cholesterol was lower in African American women in the high fitness category. Mean values of more than five daily servings of fruits and vegetables were reported by non-African American women and African American men in the high activity category. Higher intake of dietary fiber was found for non-African American women at the high activity level, with a similar trend observed for African American women. Future work examining these associations prospectively should include sufficient minority representation to enhance generalizability to all population groups and determine the beneficial effects from increased physical activity and improved cardiorespiratory fitness.

Muscular Fitness and All-Cause Mortality: Prospective Observations

Background:The beneficial effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on mortality are well known; however, the relation of muscular fitness, specifically muscular strength and endurance, to mortality risk has not been thoroughly examined. The purpose of the current study is to determine if a dose-response relation exists between muscular fitness and mortality after controlling for factors such as age and cardiorespiratory fitness.Methods:The study included 9105 men and women, 20–82 years of age, in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study who have completed at least one medical examination at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, TX between 1981 and 1989. The exam included a muscular fitness assessment, based on 1-min sit-up and 1-repetition maximal leg and bench press scores, and a maximal treadmill test. We conducted mortality follow-up through 1996 primarily using the National Death Index, with a total follow-up of 106,046 person-years. All-cause mortality rates were examined across low, moderate, and high muscular fitness strata.Results:Mortality was confirmed in 194 of 9105 participants (2.1%). The age- and sex-adjusted mortality rate of those in the lowest muscular fitness category was higher than that of those in the moderate fitness category (26.8 vs. 15.3 per 10,000 person-years, respectively). Those in the high fitness category had a mortality rate of 20.6 per 10,000 person-years. The moderate and high muscular fitness groups had relative risks of 0.64 (95%CI = 0.44–0.93) and 0.80 (95%CI = 0.49–1.31), adjusting for age, health status, body mass index, cigarette smoking, and cardio-respiratory fitness when compared with the low muscular fitness group.Conclusions:Mortality rates were lower for individuals with moderate/high muscular fitness compared to individuals with low muscular fitness. These findings warrant further research to confirm the apparent threshold effect between low and moderate/high muscular fitness and all-cause mortality.

MUSCULOSKELETAL FITNESS AND ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY

The beneficial effects of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on mortality are well known. However, the relation of musculoskeletal fitness (MSF), specifically muscular strength and endurance, to mortality risk has not been as thoroughly examined. PURPOSE To determine if a relation exists between MSF and mortality after controlling for age, sex, BMI, health status, current smoking status, cholesterol, SBP, and treadmill measured CRF. METHODS Individuals in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study who completed at least one medical examination and a MSF assessment at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, TX between 1981 and 1989 were potential subjects. 7605 men and 1500 women, 20–82 years of age, with a total follow-up of 106,046 person-years met these criteria. The MSF assessment included a 1-minute sit-up test, a 1-repetition maximal leg press and a 1-repetition maximal bench press. All-cause mortality rates were calculated for low, moderate, and high MSF strata. Mortality surveillance through 1996 primarily using the National Death Index confirmed 194 deaths in this study group (2.1%). RESULTS The age- and sex-adjusted mortality rate of the lowest MSF category was almost twice that of those in the moderate MSF category (23.9 vs. 13.5 per 10,000 person-years, respectively). Individuals in the highest MSF category had a mortality rate of 15.4 per 10,000 person-years. The moderate and high MSF groups had relative risks of 0.64 (95%CI 0.44–0.93) and 0.80 (95%CI 0.49–1.31), respectively after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, health status, current smoking status, cholesterol, SBP, and CRF when compared with the low MSF group. CONCLUSION Mortality rates across low, moderate, and high musculoskeletal fitness categories suggest a threshold effect between low musculoskeletal fitness and moderate/high musculoskeletal fitness and all-cause mortality in the presence of other health factors. Supported in part by NIH grant AG06945

Study finds higher cardiovascular fitness associated with greater hearing acuity

Initial signs of auditory aging start long before age 65.Johnson and Hawkins reported evidence of nerve degen-eration in the cochlea secondary to hair cell degenerationby 5early adolescence. Numerous studies have reporteddeterioration of hearing levels with middle age and then anotable acceleration above 70 years.