Factors Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness in a Swiss Working Population

Good cardiorespiratory fitness (high VO_2max) has beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a tool to estimate VO_2max in daily clinical practice is of great value for preventing chronic diseases in healthy adults. This study aimed at exploring the cardiometabolic profile in a representative Swiss working population. Based on these insights, a regression model was derived revealing factors associated with VO_2max.

Cross-sectional data of 337 healthy and full-time employed adults recruited in the Basel region, Switzerland, were collected. Anthropometric measurements to compute body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were performed. A 20-meter shuttle run test was conducted to determine individual VO_2max. Heart rate (HR) was measured at rest, during maximal exertion, and two minutes after exercise. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed at rest and after exercise. A multiple linear regression model was built to identify a set of nonexercise predictor variables of VO_2max.

Complete data of 303 individuals (63% male) aged 18 to 61 years (mean 33 ± 12 years) were considered for analysis. The regression model (adjusted R² = 0.647, SE = 5.3) identified sex (β = -0.699, p < 0.001), WC (β = -0.403, p < 0.001), difference of maximal to resting HR (β = 0.234, p < 0.001), smoking (β = -0.171, p < 0.001), and age (β = -0.131, p < 0.01) as the most important factors associated with VO_2max, while BMI, SBP, and DBP did not contribute to the regression model.

This study introduced a simple model to evaluate VO_2max based on nonexercise parameters as part of daily clinical routine without needing a time-consuming, cost-intense, and physically demanding direct assessment of VO_2max. Knowledge about VO_2max may help identifying individuals at increased cardiovascular risk and may provide the basis for health counselling and tailoring preventive measures.