Correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness in a population-based sample of middle-aged adults: cross-sectional analyses in the SCAPIS study

Mats Börjesson; Örjan Ekblom; Daniel Arvidsson; Emerald G Heiland; Daniel Väisänen; Göran Bergström; Elin Ekblom-Bak

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066336

Correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness in a population-based sample of middle-aged adults: cross-sectional analyses in the SCAPIS study

BMJ Open. 2022 Dec 15;12(12):e066336. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066336.

Authors

Mats Börjesson^{1

2}, Örjan Ekblom³, Daniel Arvidsson⁴, Emerald G Heiland^{3

5}, Daniel Väisänen³, Göran Bergström^{6

7}, Elin Ekblom-Bak⁸

Affiliations

¹ Center for Health and Performance, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
² Department of Medicine, Geraiatric and Acute Medicine Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden.
³ Department of Physical Activity and Health, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH, Stockholm, Sweden.
⁴ Center for Health and Performance, Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
⁵ Department of Surgical Sciences, Medical Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
⁶ Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
⁷ Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
⁸ Department of Physical Activity and Health, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH, Stockholm, Sweden eline@gih.se.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify main sex-specific correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a population-based, urban sample of Swedish adults.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Multi-site study at university hospitals, data from the Gothenburg site.

Participants: A total of 5308 participants (51% women, aged 50-64 years) with a valid estimated VO₂max, from submaximal cycle test, in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), were included.

Primary and secondary outcomes: A wide range of correlates were examined including (a) sociodemographic and lifestyle behaviours, (b) perceived health, anthropometrics and chronic conditions and (c) self-reported as well as accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Both continuous levels of estimated VO₂max as well as odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI)s of low VO₂max (lowest sex-specific tertile) were reported.

Results: In multivariable regression analyses, higher age, being born abroad, short education, high waist circumference, poor perceived health, high accelerometer-derived time in sedentary and low in vigorous physical activity, as well as being passive commuter, correlated independently and significantly with low VO₂max in both men and women (OR range 1.31-9.58). Additionally in men, financial strain and being an ex-smoker are associated with higher odds for low VO₂max (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.33 to 3.48 and OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.80), while constant stress with lower odds (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.85). Additionally in women, being a regular smoker is associated with lower odds for low VO₂max (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.92).

Conclusions: The present study provides important reference material on CRF and correlates of CRF in a general middle-aged population, which can be valuable for future research, clinical practice and public health work. If relations are causal, increased knowledge about specific subgroups will aid in the development of appropriate, targeted interventions.

Keywords: EPIDEMIOLOGY; PREVENTIVE MEDICINE; PUBLIC HEALTH.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise
Exercise Test
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Physical Fitness
Waist Circumference