Trends In Cardiorespiratory Fitness Research Articles

Temporal trends and distributional changes in cardiorespiratory fitness among Chinese children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019.

The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal trends in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) among children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019. A total of 1 840 212 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years (921 223 boys) were tested for CRF from 1985 to 2019. CRF was tested by 50-m × 8 shuttle run for boys and girls aged 7-12 years, 1000-m run for boys aged 13-18 years, and 800-m run for girls aged 13-18 years. Trends in BMI from 2000 to 2019 were also investigated. Cardiorespiratory fitness decreased during the entire 34 years among children and adolescents in all sex and age categories, and the most rapid decline occurred from 1995 to 2005. Some positive trends in CRF were observed among adolescents aged 13-15 years from 2005 to 2019 and among girls aged 16-18 years from 2014 to 2019. The variation in the CRF distribution was not uniform, with Z-scores for participants with high CRF levels changing little or increasing (CRF stabilized or improved) and Z-scores for participants with low CRF levels continuing to decrease (CRF decreased). BMI increased over time for boys and girls in all age categories, with an acceleration of the increase for adolescents in recent years. This study revealed that the overall CRF levels of Chinese children and adolescents decreased over three decades but stabilized or improved in recent years. BMI continued to increase. Our findings are important for the focus on future domestic physical fitness and public health.

Cardiorespiratory fitness has declined among French children since 1999, although the decline appears to be getting smaller.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong marker of current and future health. The aim of this study was to assess the national temporal trends in CRF for French children and adolescents between 1999 and 2022. CRF data were obtained from several cross-sectional studies on 15 420 (51.1% boys) French children and adolescents aged 9-16 years between 1999 and 2022. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT) estimated CRF. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and body mass, with BMI z-scores (BMIz) calculated using WHO growth curves. The 20mSRT results were corrected for protocol and converted to z-scores (20mSRTz) using international sex- and age-specific norms. With additional adjustment for BMIz, temporal trends in mean 20mSRT performance (20mSRTz) were estimated using linear regression, with the distance max (Dmax) method used to locate a breakpoint and linear segments fitted to points below and above the breakpoint. Trends in distributional characteristics were assessed visually and described as the ratio of the coefficients of variation (CVs). After adjustment for protocol, age, sex, and BMIz, a large decline in mean 20mSRT performance (trend per decade (95% CI): -1.42 SDs (-1.45, -1.39) or -18.4% (95% CI: -18.8, -18.0)) between 1999 and 2022 was found. Dmax located a breakpoint for the two-linear-segment model in year 2010. There was a large decline in mean 20mSRT performance pre-2010 (trend per decade (95% CI): -2.31 SDs (-2.39, -2.24)), which reduced 0.06-fold to a negligible decline post-2010 (trend per decade (95% CI): -0.15 SD (-0.20, -0.10)). We also found that the trend in mean 20mSRT performance was not uniform across the population distribution. Between 1999 and 2022, there was a small trend in distributional asymmetry, with slightly smaller declines experienced by the high performers (above the 75th percentile). Our data suggest a large decline in the 20mSRT performance of French children and adolescents since 1999. This declining trend seems to have diminished considerably since 2010. Such declines in CRF could translate into declines in health status. Although a slowing in the declining trend in CRF in recent years is encouraging, more data are needed to confirm these findings.

Secular trends of cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents over a 35-year period: Chronicle of a predicted foretold.

In the context of concerns regarding the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of youth populations, the aims of this study were: (1) to update reference values for the VO2max for school-aged Canadians and (2) to document secular trends in CRF after a 35-year interval. Between September 2014 and April 2017, the CRF of 3725 students (53.2% boys; 6.0 to 17.9 yrs) was determined using the 20-m shuttle run test. The sample was collected in 36 different schools from six cities of Québec (Canada). Median values of VO2max decreased with age in both sexes (p ≤ 0.05). By the age of 10, more than 20% of boys showed VO2max values below the recommended value (42 ml·kg-1·min-1). At the age of 17, that proportion reached 56.8%. A similar proportion of 12 yrs girls (20%) were under the recommended minimal value (37 ml·kg-1·min-1) and that value reached 69.9% at the age of 17. Compared to 1982, the VO2max at age 17 has declined by 18% for boys and 12% for girls. The situation is worse in terms of functional capacity (number of stages completed) with an overall decrease of more than 30%. This study demonstrates that, compared to data obtained using the same methodology 35 years ago, the CRF and functional capacity of children and adolescents has declined to levels that should raise concerns from a public health perspective. Thus, the development of strategies to promote a physically active lifestyle in youth is more relevant than ever.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Occupational Groups—Trends over 20 Years and Future Forecasts

Background: Reports have indicated a negative trend in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the general population. However, trends in relation to different occupational groups are missing. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the trends in CRF during the last 20 years, and to provide a prognosis of future trends in CRF, in different occupational groups of Swedish workers. Methods: Data from 516,122 health profile assessments performed between 2001 to 2020 were included. CRF was assessed as maximal oxygen consumption and was estimated from a submaximal cycling test. Analyses include CRF as a weighted average, standardized proportions with low CRF (<32 mL/min/kg), adjusted annual change in CRF, and forecasting of future trends in CRF. Results: There was a decrease in CRF over the study period, with the largest decrease in both absolute and relative CRF seen for individuals working in administrative and customer service (−10.1% and −9.4%) and mechanical manufacturing (−6.5% and −7.8%) occupations. The greatest annual decrease was seen in transport occupations (−1.62 mL/min/kg, 95% CI −0.190 to −0.134). Men and younger individuals had in generally a more pronounced decrease in CRF. The proportion with a low CRF increased, with the greatest increase noted for blue-collar and low-skilled occupations (range: +19% to +27% relative change). The forecast analyses predicted a continuing downward trend of CRF. Conclusion: CRF has declined in most occupational groups in Sweden over the last two decades, with a more pronounced decline in blue-collar and low-skilled occupational groups.

Assessment of Secular Trends and Health Risk in Pediatric Cardiorespiratory Fitness From the Republic of Slovenia.

ObjectivesDetermine the temporal trends in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health risk of Slovenian schoolchildren across a 20-year span, assessed via 20-m shuttle run (20mSRT), including defining centile ranges and possible health risk(s) for each generation.MethodsNationally representative data from 9,426 healthy schoolchildren (6–14 years old) were used to determine changes in CRF across three generations, in 1993 (n = 3,174), 2003 (n = 3,457) and 2013 (n = 2,795) from a multistage, stratified, decennial study.Results20mSRT performance declined ∼2.8% from 1993 to 2003, independent of age or sex of the child. This trend was reversed in 2013, increasing by ∼8.2% across all age groups, for both girls and boys, for a net increase of 5.4%. The magnitude of improvement was similar for both sexes. Moreover, girls in the 2013 generation (for ages 10–13 year) completed more stages than their 2003 male counterparts. Across all generations, children achieved CRF values corresponding to low cardiovascular risk for future health outcomes. Centile values ranged from “low” to “very high” depending on age, sex, and generation of the sample.ConclusionNegative trends in CRF from Slovenian schoolchildren were reversed by 2013, indicating that Slovenia should continue implementing progressive national physical fitness strategies introduced between sampling periods (i.e., 2003–2013). Additionally, due to the universal nature of Slovenian schoolchildren achieving “healthy cut-off values” for 20mSRT (generation-inclusive), it is suggested that more specific cut-off criteria are developed, especially for younger children, and girls, so that future CRF results can be more accurately applied for both clinical and pedagogical users.

Trends in cardiorespiratory fitness among apparently healthy adults from the Ball State Adult Fitness Longitudinal Lifestyle STudy (BALL ST) cohort from 1970-2019.

IntroductionCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. However, little is known in regards to how CRF has trended in apparently healthy adults over the past several decades.PurposeTo analyze trends in CRF and CVD risk factors over the last 50 years in a population of apparently healthy adult men and women.MethodsParticipants were 4,214 apparently healthy adults (2,390 men and 1,824 women) from the Ball State Adult Fitness Longitudinal Lifestyle STudy (BALL ST) that performed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing between 1970–2019 for the assessment of CRF defined as VO2max (ml/kg/min). Participants were self-referred either to a community-based exercise program, fitness testing, or were research subjects in exercise related studies and were placed into groups by decade based on testing date.ResultsCRF showed a general trend to decline (P<0.05) from the 1970s to the 2000s with an increase (P<0.05) from the 2000s to the 2010s for both men and women. This pattern persisted for age and sex-adjusted CRF level, determined by Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise: A National Data Base (FRIEND). For both women and men, CRF across the decades was associated (P<0.05) with the prevalence of physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension, and with diabetes in men only.ConclusionCRF declined from 1970 through the 2000s in a cohort of apparently healthy men and women which was associated with worsening CVD risk profiles. However, the decline in CRF was attenuated over the past decade which may have a positive impact on future CVD in the population. Promoting physical activity to increase CRF should be a primary aspect of CVD prevention programs.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Youth: An Important Marker of Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) refers to the capacity of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to skeletal muscle mitochondria for energy production needed during physical activity. CRF is an important marker of physical and mental health and academic achievement in youth. However, only 40% of US youth are currently believed to have healthy CRF. In this statement, we review the physiological principles that determine CRF, the tools that are available to assess CRF, the modifiable and nonmodifiable factors influencing CRF, the association of CRF with markers of health in otherwise healthy youth, and the temporal trends in CRF both in the United States and internationally. Development of a cost-effective CRF measurement process that could readily be incorporated into office visits and in field settings to screen all youth periodically could help identify those at increased risk.

Trends in cardiorespiratory fitness: The evolution of exercise treadmill testing at a single Academic Medical Center from 1970 to 2012

To identify temporal trends in the use of exercise treadmill testing (ETT) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) estimated by ETT in metabolic equivalents (METs). We compiled an ETT database of all available treadmill tests-including those with concomitant stress echocardiography and nuclear perfusion imaging studies-performed at Duke University Hospital from January 1, 1970- December 31, 2012. Six different ramp protocols were used in these combined modalities. CRF at maximal exertion was estimated using established metrics. Eligible patients were required to have no missing data on maximal treadmill speed, grade, and protocol. The most commonly used ETT protocol was the Bruce (n = 28,877), followed by manual test (n = 7390). Since the 1980's, the use of ETT for clinical purposes declined substantially; there was a decreased trend in utilization of 9.4% over the decades 1990-1999 and 2000-2009. When standard protocol (Bruce) was assessed in isolation, trends in CRF decreased progressively from 1970 to 2012 (mean METs (standard deviation): 11.7 (4.3) to 10.5 (3.5)). After adjusting for baseline comorbidities, the trend was reduced to a lesser degree. The use of ETT at our institution has declined over time, perhaps due to changes in clinical practice. In patients undergoing ETT using the standard Bruce protocol, CRF decreased progressively over the last five decades. Future studies are needed to clarify the etiology of the decrease in use of such a powerful predictor of clinical outcomes in our medical care environment.

Temporal Trends in the Cardiorespiratory Fitness of 2,525,827 Adults Between 1967 and 2016: A Systematic Review

To estimate international and national temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of adults, and toexamine relationships between trends in CRF and trends in health-related, socioeconomic, and environmental indicators. Data were obtained from a systematic search of studies that explicitly reported temporal trends in the CRF of apparently healthy adults aged 18-59years. Sample-weighted temporal trends were estimated using best-fitting regression models relating the year of testing to mean CRF. Post-stratified population-weighted mean changes in percent and standardized CRF were estimated. Pearson's correlations were used to describe associations between linear trends in CRF and linear trends in health-related, socioeconomic, and environmental indicators. 2,525,827 adults representing eight high- and upper-middle-income countries between 1967 and 2016 collectively showed a moderate decline of 7.7% (95% CI - 8.4 to - 7.0) or 1.6% per decade (95% CI - 1.7 to - 1.5). Internationally, CRF improved in the 1960s and 1970s, and progressively declined at an increasing rate thereafter. Declines were larger for men than for women, and for young adults (< 40years) than for middle-aged adults (≥ 40years). All countries experienced declines in CRF with a very strong negative correlation between CRF trends and obesity trends. There has been a meaningful decline in the CRF of adults since 1980, which has progressively increased in magnitude over time, suggestive of a corresponding decline in population health. Continuous national and international surveillance systems are needed in order to monitor health and fitness trends, especially among low- and middle-income countries for which data do not currently exist. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013003678.

Temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents representing 19 high-income and upper middle-income countries between 1981 and 2014

ObjectiveTo estimate international and national temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of children and adolescents and to examine relationships between temporal trends in CRF and temporal trends in broad...

Abstract P132: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Has Declined in Individuals Joining a Self-referred Exercise Program Over the Past 45 Years

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has emerged as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality; however, there are limited data to describe population trends in CRF over time. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in objectively measured CRF over the past four decades. We hypothesized that CRF would be progressively lower, by decade, from 1970 to 2015. Methods: We retrospectively examined 3238 individuals who were tested at enrollment into a self-referred university based exercise program. All participants underwent a CVD risk assessment (including measures of blood pressure, blood lipids, and anthropometrics) and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise treadmill test with measured CRF (i.e., VO2max). Differences in CRF and risk factor variables were analyzed by sex (n=1467 female, n=1771 male) and group based on when testing was conducted (Group A: 1970-1984, n=872; B: 1985-1994, n=1154; C: 1995-2004, n=670; D: 2005-2015, n=542) using a 2x4 factorial analysis of variance. Results: Mean age of participants was higher (P&lt;0.05) in successive cohorts after group B, regardless of sex (41.1±0.3, 41.7±0.3, 45.4±0.5, 47.1±0.6 years for A, B, C, D, respectively). CRF was lower (P&lt;0.05) in successive cohorts after group B for both men (38.1±0.4, 38.0±0.4, 34.8±0.6, 32.8±0.7 ml/kg/min for A, B, C, D, respectively) and women (28.8±0.4, 29.1±0.4, 26.9±0.4, 25.1±0.5 ml/kg/min for A, B, C, D, respectively). Differences in CRF persisted after controlling for age, body weight, and BMI. BMI increased (P&lt;0.05) with each successive cohort up to C for men (25.8±0.2, 27.4±0.2, 29.3±0.3, 29.3±0.3 kg/m2 for A, B, C, D, respectively) and women (24.9±30.3, 25.7±0.2, 27.9±0.3, 29.0±0.4 kg/m2 for A, B, C, D, respectively) and the increase was greater (P&lt;0.05) in women. Resting diastolic blood pressure was lower (P&lt;0.05) with each successive cohort after B (80.1±0.3, 79.5±0.3, 77.8±0.4, 75.6±0.4 mmHg for A, B, C, D, respectively) regardless of sex while no differences were noted for systolic blood pressure. Total cholesterol decreased (P&lt;0.05) with each successive cohort for men (221±2, 211±2, 205±2, 185±2 mg/dl for A, B, C, D, respectively) and women (210±2, 197±2, 199±2, 196±2 mg/dl for A, B, C, D, respectively) with the decrease being greater (P&lt;0.05) in men. Resting heart rate was higher (P&lt;0.05) in cohort D compared to A, B, C in men only (65±1, 68±1, 67±1, 71±1 bpm for A, B, C, D, respectively). Conclusion: Over the past 20 years, adults making the decision to begin an exercise program are doing so at a later age and with a markedly lower CRF (&gt;1.5 METs) than 20-45 years ago. The change in CRF is not fully explained by increasing obesity trends. These data suggest that greater emphasis be given in exercise prescriptions to aggressively improve CRF.

Associations between sports participation, levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in childrenand adolescents

The purpose of this study was to analyse the associations between sports participation, levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The study comprised 310 participants (183 girls and 127 boys) aged 11–18 years. Sports participation was assessed by questionnaire and habitual physical activity (PA) was measured objectively with accelerometers. The 20-m shuttle-run test was used to estimate CRF. Logistic regression analyses were carried out with CRF as the outcome. The odds ratio (OR) for being fit was greater for those who comply with 60 min · day−1 in MVPA (OR = 2.612; 95%confidence interval [CI] = 1.614–4.225) in comparison with those who do not. Participation in competitive sports at club levels increased the chances of being fit (OR = 13.483; 95%CI = 4.560–39.864), independently of MVPA levels. There were positive and significant trends in CRF and objectively measured PA across the levels of engagement in competitive sports (P < 0.05). Concluding, participation in competitive sports at club level is more effective than other organised or non-organised sports to reach healthier levels of CRF and recommend levels of MVPA.

Physical activity/fitness peaks during perimenopause and BMI change patterns are not associated with baseline activity/fitness in women: a longitudinal study with a median 7-year follow-up

ObjectiveTo assess the age-associated longitudinal trends in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), leisure-time physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) across the lifespan in a cohort of adult women.MethodsThe sample included...

Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness in 9- to 10.9-Year-Old Children

The study's purposes were to 1) assess changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) from 1998 to 2010, controlling for decimal age and body mass index (BMI), and 2) repeat the analysis in cohorts from 2005 to 2010, controlling for maturation, deprivation, and BMI. A total of 27,942 (n = 14,247 boys) 9- to 10.9-yr-old participants from one UK city were included in this serial cross-sectional study from 1998-1999 to 2009-2010. An indices of multiple deprivation (IMD) score was assigned to each participant on the basis of home postcode. Stature, sitting stature, and body mass were estimated. BMI and somatic maturity were calculated. Performance on the 20-m multistage shuttle run test (20mSRT) was used to estimate CRF (total shuttles). One-way ANCOVAs were completed to assess temporal trends in CRF, separately by sex. Model 1 assessed changes from 1998 to 2010 and included decimal age and BMI as covariates. Model 2 assessed changes from 2005 to 2010 and included maturity, IMD, and BMI as covariates. Results indicate that 20mSRT performance has declined in UK schoolchildren. An annual decline of 1.34% and 2.29% was observed in boys and girls, respectively. In model 1, for boys, the baseline cohort performed better than all other groups with the exception of the 1999-2000 group. For girls, declines in 20mSRT performance were observed from 2003 onward. In model 2, for boys, the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 cohorts completed fewer 20mSRT shuttles than all other groups. For girls, the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 cohorts also performed worse than all other years. The decline in CRF suggests children in the more recent SportsLinx cohorts may be at an increased risk of cardiometabolic illness in comparison with earlier cohorts. The promotion of vigorous physical activity is urged to promote CRF in children.

Long-term Trends In Cardiorespiratory Fitness And The Incidence Of Hypertension

PURPOSE: Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with a decreased risk of hypertension. However, there is little information available on the relationship between long-term trends in cardiorespiratory fitness and the incidence of hypertension. We investigated the relationship between long-term trends in fitness and the incidence of hypertension in Japanese males. METHODS: A cohort of 3,650 Japanese men free of hypertension completed annual health check-ups and cardiorespiratory fitness tests for estimated maximal oxygen uptake at least four times over seven years (1979-1985). We modeled the trend in fitness over seven years for each man using simple linear regression. Men were then divided into quartiles based on the regression coefficient (slope) from the model. During the follow-up period 1985-2004, 486 men developed hypertension. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the incidence of hypertension were obtained using the logistic regression model. RESULTS: Men in the lowest quartile of the distribution decreased in cardiorespiratory fitness over the seven years (median slope, -1.26 ml/kg/min), while men in the highest quartile increased in fitness (median slope, 1.31 ml/kg/min). Adjusting for age, initial fitness level, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and a family history of hypertension: and using the lowest quartile as reference, the odds ratios and 95% CI for the 2nd through 4th quartiles were 0.81 (0.60-1.09), 0.84 (0.62-1.16), and 0.58 (0.41-0.82), respectively (P = 0.006 for trend). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that long-term trends in cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of the incidence of hypertension in Japanese males.

Long-Term Trends in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVEWhereas single assessments of cardiorespiratory fitness have been shown to predict lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, there are no data on long-term trends in fitness and risk. We investigated the relationship between long-term trends in fitness and the incidence of type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA cohort of 4,187 Japanese men free of diabetes completed annual health checkups and fitness tests for estimated maximal oxygen uptake at least four times over 7 years (1979–1985). We modeled the trend in fitness over 7 years for each man using simple linear regression. Men were then divided into quartiles based on the regression coefficient (slope) from the model. During the follow-up period (1985–1999), 274 men developed diabetes. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the incidence of diabetes were obtained using the Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTSMen in the lowest quartile of the distribution decreased in fitness over the 7 years (median slope −1.25 ml/kg/min), whereas men in the highest quartile increased in fitness (median slope 1.33 ml/kg/min). With adjustment for age, initial fitness level, BMI, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and a family history of diabetes and use of the lowest quartile, the HRs (95% CI) for the second through fourth quartiles were 0.64 (0.46–0.89), 0.40 (0.27–0.58), and 0.33 (0.21–0.50), respectively (Ptrend < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that the long-term trend in fitness is a strong predictor of the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Japanese men.

Secular trends in cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index in Danish children: The European Youth Heart Study

To examine the secular trends in cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and body fatness in Danish children. Trends were analyzed overall and across socioeconomic status (SES). Two cross-sectional studies conducted on 589 and 458 third-grade Danish children in 1997-1998 and 2003-2004, respectively. CF was determined by a maximal cycle-ergometer test. The lowest sex-specific quartile of CF in the study from 1997 to 1998 was used as a cut-point for low CF. Body mass index (BMI) cut-points were used to describe overweight, and SES was divided into two groups according to parents' occupation. This study showed a secular decline in CF in girls overall. Increased CF, BMI, and prevalence of overweight were observed in boys with high SES, in boys with low SES, and in girls with low SES, respectively. However, after additional Bonferroni's correction, none of the statistical analyses performed across socioeconomic gradients reached significant P-values. CF declined in girls overall. Although not statistically significant after additional Bonferroni's correction, results in general showed less favorable trends in low SES children. Thus, trying to describe secular trends in CF and body fatness overall without any regard to SES might disguise social-caused differences. However, further studies are needed in order to verify this hypothesis.

Nomogram by Astrand and Ryhming as a predictor of maximum oxygen intake.

Nomogram by Astrand and Ryhming as a predictor of maximum oxygen intake.