Fitness in a U.K. screening sample--a comparison with the Canadian population

Fitness measurements were compared from approximately 12,000 men and 5,000 women attending the BUPA Health Screening Centre, London, with published Canadian levels. The mean (+/- SD) predicted VO2-max values in the BUPA group were 35.1 (+/- 9.2) and 30.0 (+/- 8.4) ml/kg/min for men and women aged 15-64 years, respectively. These compare with means of 44.1 and 34.3 in men and women of the same age in Canada. A comparison of flexibility measurements showed that in all age groups the BUPA subjects were less flexible than their Canadian counterparts, on average 28.7% and 25.1% lower for men and women, respectively. Comparison of grip strength showed BUPA values to be on average 8.1% lower in men and 9.5% lower in women than the Canadian levels. Analysis of variance showed that the fitness measurements reflect the recorded physical activity in the BUPA sample, and in particular the predicted VO2-max and flexibility exhibit linear relationships with age and exercise levels.