Brazilian Cardiorespiratory Fitness Classification Based on Maximum Oxygen Consumption

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the most complete tool available to assess functional aerobic capacity (FAC). Maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2) max), an important biomarker, reflects the real FAC. OBJECTIVE: To develop a cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) classification based on VO(2) max in a Brazilian sample of healthy and physically active individuals of both sexes. METHODS: We selected 2837 CEPT from 2837 individuals aged 15 to 74 years, distributed as follows: G1 (15 to 24); G2 (25 to 34); G3 (35 to 44); G4 (45 to 54); G5 (55 to 64) and G6 (65 to 74). Good CRF was the mean VO(2) max obtained for each group, generating the following subclassification: Very Low (VL): VO(2) < 50% of the mean; Low (L): 50% - 80%; Fair (F): 80% - 95%; Good (G): 95% -105%; Excellent (E) > 105%. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: This chart stratifies VO(2) max measured on a treadmill in a robust Brazilian sample and can be used as an alternative for the real functional evaluation of physically and healthy individuals stratified by age and sex.