The Benefits of Utilizing Total Body Composition as a Predictor of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Based on Age: A Pilot Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this paper, we demonstrate the importance of assessing body composition as a whole and the usefulness in predicting cardiopulmonary fitness as an indicator of overall health. Therefore, the significance of this manuscript is to improve clinicians’ and researchers’ understanding of the importance of evaluating total body composition when assessing overall health and the serious implications that body composition has on an individual’s health as they age. ABSTRACT: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) has been associated with body fat percentage (%BF) or fat free mass. However, most analyses do not consider total body composition (TBC) as defined by %BF, fat free mass index (FFMI—a height-adjusted measure of muscle mass), visceral adipose tissue, and bone mineral content (BMC). The aim of this study was to determine if TBC predicts cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy adults and if a relationship exists in young and older adults. Sixty healthy individuals (age group 1 (AG1, ≤35 years), n = 35; age group 2 (AG2, >35 years), n = 25) were screened in a cross-sectional study and retrospectively examined. All participants completed a full body DEXA scan and a standardized multistage treadmill test to determine VO(2)max. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between TBC and VO(2max). The multiple regression model showed an overall significant effect for TBC (p < 0.001, R(2) = 0.282). When analyzed by age group, the regression model of TBC was not significant in young adults (AG1, p = 0.319, R(2) = 0.141), but significant in older adults (AG2, p < 0.001, R(2) = 0.683). Significant predictors of VO(2max) in the older cohort were %BF (β = −0.748, p = 0.001) and BMC (β = 0.014, p = 0.002). Total body composition predicted VO(2max) in a small cohort of healthy adults. This study highlights the importance of TBC for cardiovascular health, especially in mid-to later-life individuals.