Accuracy of Two Simple Methods for the Assessment of Health-Related Physical Fitness

Abstract

We have developed a useful equation for estimating health-related physical fitness age. This version of health-related fitness age was developed as an extension of the biological age index and is useful for evaluation of individual differences in functional abilities of middle-aged and older adults. This measure consists of 4 independent variables fitness (V̇O₂ max, standing trunk flexibility, %fat, and grip strength). However, direct measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂ max) is an invasive clinical procedure and not practical for large scale work. In the current study, we attempted to assess the fitness age more feasibly. We selected a questionnaire method and a 12-min. submaximal treadmill walk test as substitutes for the V̇O₂ max test. The three fitness ages were computed for 23 Japanese men [M_age 54.1 ± 10.7 yr.), using actual V̇O₂ max (actual fitness age), questionnaire V̇O₂ max (predicted questionnaire fitness age), and treadmill V̇O₂ max (predicted treadmill fitness age). Predicted questionnaire fitness age (61.0 ± 10.5 yr.) and predicted treadmill fitness age (60.0 ± 12.4 yr.) were significantly correlated with actual fitness age (60.1 ± 12.4 yr.) (r = .96 and .97, respectively). There were no significant differences among the three indices, but there was a significant difference between actual fitness age and chronological age (p<.05). For V̇O₂ max substituting the questionnaire for the treadmill estimate is acceptable in assessing fitness age and reducing the clinical risk for middle-aged and older Japanese men.