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Changes in physical fitness and changes in mortality
G Erikssen1, K Liestøl, J Bjørnholt
1Medical Department, Central Hospital of Akershus, Nordbyhagen, Norway.
Lancet (London, England)
|September 16, 1998
Summary
Improving physical fitness significantly lowers mortality risk in healthy middle-aged men. Even small fitness gains offer substantial protection against death from any cause and cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical fitness is a known predictor of mortality in healthy individuals.
- Limited data exists on the impact of sequential changes in physical fitness on mortality.
- This study investigated changes in physical fitness and subsequent mortality in middle-aged men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between changes in physical fitness over time and mortality risk.
- To determine if improvements in physical fitness reduce the risk of death in healthy middle-aged men.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2014 healthy men (aged 40-60) underwent two bicycle exercise tests over 10 years.
- Changes in exercise capacity were categorized into quartiles, representing fitness improvement.
- Cox's proportional hazards models analyzed the relationship between fitness changes and mortality.
Main Results:
- A graded, inverse relationship was observed between physical fitness changes and mortality.
- Men who improved their fitness the most (Q4) had significantly lower mortality risks.
- Relative risks for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were substantially reduced in the fittest group.
Conclusions:
- Changes in physical fitness are a strong predictor of mortality in healthy middle-aged men.
- Even modest improvements in physical fitness are linked to a significantly reduced risk of death.
- These findings support the integration of fitness improvements into public health strategies.