Cardiovascular fitness in a selected group of dentists

Thirty-three dentists were studied as part of an exercise rehabilitation clinic in order to evaluate their cardiovascular capacity and coronary prone risk factors. Measurements were made of their physical work capacity, predicted maximal oxygen uptake, fatness, serum lipids and uric acid levels, pulmonary peak flow rates and personality Type A or B. The group as a whole exhibited a moderately high level of fitness and a very active life style which probably reflected their presence at a clinic of this type. Cardiovascular fitness varibles increased with age. This increase may be due to a need and desire on the part of the dentists to maintain their physical fitness as they become older. This need for improved self image may also be a factor in their joining an exercise rehabilitation clinic.