[Reference Values for Cardiorespiratory Fitness of the General Population: The German National Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) 2008-2011].

Abstract

AIM OF STUDY\nThis study aims to provide population-based reference values for heart rate-based indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness for adults with physical activity readiness aged 18 to 64 years living in Germany.\n\n\nMETHODS\nBased on data on 2,826 individuals who participated in a submaximal cycle ergometer exercise test as part of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) between 2008 and 2011, we calculated the following indicators: physical working capacity at 150 and 130 beats/min and at 75% of estimated maximum heart rate (PWC150, PWC130 and PWC75%) as well as heart rate-based estimated maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). We used the LMS method by Cole & Green 1992 to calculate reference values.\n\n\nRESULTS\n25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of PWC150 were 1.5, 1.77 and 2.08\u2009watts/kg among men and 1.18, 1.44 and 1.69 among women. 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of PWC130 were 1.16, 1.41 and 1.68\u2009watts/kg among men and 0.81, 1.05 and 1.29 among women. Age-dependent median PWC75% values among men and women were 1.87 - age in years× 0.01 and 1.31 - (age in years/100)2× 0.98, respectively, and VO2max among men is 41.7 - age× 0.15.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe references values presented can be used for individual rating of cardiorespiratory fitness among adults living in Germany. Furthermore, they can serve as a basis for regular monitoring purposes.