Descriptive Epidemiology of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in UK Adults: The Fenland Study

INTRODUCTION: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is rarely measured in population studies. Most studies of CRF do not examine differences by population subgroups or seasonal trends. We examined how estimated CRF levels vary by anthropometric, sociodemographic, and behavioral characteristics in a population-based cohort of UK adults (the Fenland Study). METHODS: We used a validated submaximal exercise test to obtain CRF estimates (CRF(estimated)) in 5976 women and 5316 men, residing in the East of England. CRF(estimated) was defined as estimated maximal oxygen consumption per kilogram total body mass (V̇O(2)max(tbm)) and fat-free mass (V̇O(2)max(ffm)). Descriptive statistics were computed across anthropometric and sociodemographic characteristics, and across the year. Progressive multivariable analyses were performed to examine associations with physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Mean ± SD V̇O(2)max(tbm) was lower in women (35.2 ± 7.5 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1)) than men (41.7 ± 7.3 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1)) but V̇O(2)max(ffm) was similar (women: 59.2 ± 11.6 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1); men: 62.0 ± 10.3 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1)). CRF(estimated) was inversely associated with age but not after adjustment for PAEE. People in more physically demanding jobs were fitter compared with those in sedentary jobs, but this association was attenuated in women and reversed in men after adjustment for total PAEE. Physical activity energy expenditure and BMI were positively associated with CRF(estimated) at all levels of adjustment when expressed relative to fat-free mass. CRF(estimated) was 4% higher in summer than in winter among women, but did not differ by season among men. CONCLUSIONS: CRF(estimated) was inversely associated with age but less steeply than anticipated, suggesting older generations are comparatively fitter than younger generations. Physical activity energy expenditure and BMI were stronger determinants of the variance in CRF(estimated) than other characteristic including age. This emphasizes the importance of modifiable physical activity behaviors in public health interventions.