Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Fitting”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Hemodynamic responses to stress among black women: fitness and parental hypertension.

PURPOSE: We compared hemodynamic aspects of the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure changes during and after laboratory stress in young black women with or without parental history of hypertension. METHODS: Participants were 30 normotensive, black American women having low to moderate fitness levels (i.e., VO2peak) assessed by cycle ergometry who performed standard active and passive coping laboratory stressors. Blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance (TPR), calf blood flow (CBF), and calf vascular resistance (CVR) were assessed during exposure to forehead and hand cold pressors, and mental arithmetic, as well as during recovery after the tasks. RESULTS: Fitness was positively related to increases in either TPR or CVR during each stressor. In contrast, fitness was positively related to blunted blood pressure during or after passive stress (i.e., hand or forehead cold) and enhanced recovery of blood pressure and TPR after the active stressor (i.e., mental arithmetic); effects of fitness on the vascular responses during and after mental arithmetic were stronger among women having a negative history of parental hypertension. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm our previous report that fitness blunts systolic blood pressure response during the hand cold pressor in young women. They also suggest that future studies of fitness and blood pressure reactivity during stress should focus on the regulation of vascular responses and their recovery after stress. Weaker effects of VO2peak after mental arithmetic in the positive history group indicate that the level of fitness required to modify recovery from mental stress among black American women may differ according to parental history of hypertension.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Clinical evaluation of factors influencing toric soft contact lens fit.

PURPOSE: Some knowledge of the orientation position of toric soft lenses is required as part of the fitting process. Although it is known that factors such as lid anatomy, lens design, and fit are important, there is little detailed understanding of how these relate to toric lens orientation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various patient and lens factors that might influence toric soft lens fit and to determine the predictor variables for lens orientation. METHODS: This was a clinical study in which 45 subjects were fitted with a prism-stabilized, mid-water, cast-molded, back surface toric soft lens. The lens was representative of commonly used designs for frequent replacement toric soft lenses. Patient and lens fit variables were assessed, including a range of lid topography features, which were measured using a digital photographic technique. RESULTS: The main patient factors associated with lens orientation and stability were degree of myopia, palpebral aperture, and several angles relating to lid anatomy. Greater upward incline of the temporal lids was associated with increasing inferior-temporal lens orientation; lower myopia and smaller palpebral aperture size were associated with more stable lens orientation. The principal lens fit characteristics affecting lens orientation were postblink movement and lens tightness. Less movement was associated with more stable lens orientation, and increased tightness was associated with slower reorientation speed. Weaker but significant correlations were also shown between a number of other patient and lens variables. CONCLUSIONS: A number of patient factors and lens fit characteristics influencing toric soft lens orientation were identified. The findings fall short of allowing practitioners to accurately predict toric lens orientation; however, they do provide some factors to consider when fitting toric soft lenses.

Blinking↗
PubMed2002

Effect of lens base curve on subjective comfort and assessment of fit with silicone hydrogel continuous wear contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of base curve on subjective comfort of silicone hydrogel extended wear lenses. METHODS: Ninety-five subjects were first trial fitted with 8.6-mm base curve lotrafilcon A (Focus Night & Day) lenses and then with 8.4-mm lenses only if poor subjective comfort or poor fit was present. Comfort and fit were assessed after 15 min. Subjects with discomfort or signs of poor fit were then trial fitted with 8.4-mm lenses. RESULTS: Of 190 eyes, 74.2% were fitted with 8.6-mm lenses, and 23.7% required 8.4-mm lenses. Two (2.1 %) subjects could not be fitted with either base curve. Mean steep keratometry (K) reading for eyes dispensed with 8.6-mm lenses was 43.88 D and 45.56 D for eyes dispensed in the 8.4-mm lenses (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A clinically useful criterion showing the need for 8.4-mm lenses was steep K of > or = 45.50 D; 77% of these eyes required the steeper lens for good comfort and fit. Subjective discomfort with 8.6-mm lenses was also a useful signal for the need of a steeper lens; mean comfort scores for those subjects rose from 6.33 with 8.6-mm lenses to 9.44 with the 8.4-mm lenses for eyes requiring the steeper lens (p < 0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The effects of a work hardening program on cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength.

STUDY DESIGN: This study analyzed improvements in cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength after a 6-week work hardening program. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to document fitness gains after a 6-week work hardening program. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Studies expounded on the success of a functional restoration approach in return-to-work rates, but few documented the physical fitness gains of a work hardening program. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects from the Rehability Center in Lubbock, Texas, who were diagnosed with lower back dysfunction, completed the 6-week study. A submaximal cycle ergometer protocol was used to determine patients' cardiovascular fitness levels, and the Arcon Static Strength Testing Device was used to measure static strength. Pre- and post-tests were identical. RESULTS: A paired Student's t test was used to analyze the significance of difference from pre- to post-testing. For cardiovascular fitness there was a 28% improvement, t(29) = 5.56, P < 0.001; there was a 76% improvement for the static arm lift, t(29) = 7.86, P < 0.001; there was a 57% improvement in the static pull, t(29) = 9.53, P < 0.001; and an 89% improvement in the static push, t(29) = 9.08, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzed data clearly show a marked improvement in cardiovascular and muscular fitness. There was not a difference in fitness levels between those who returned to work and those who did not, which suggests return-to-work rates are not entirely based on level of fitness.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Physical activity, physical fitness, and Framingham 10-year risk score: the cross-cultural activity participation study.

PURPOSE: Although physical activity and physical fitness are inversely and causally associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality, available equations for estimating CHD risk do not include scores for activity or fitness. Therefore, this study evaluated the association of physical fitness and moderate-intensity physical activity with the 10-year Framingham CHD risk estimate. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were performed on data from 137 healthy middle-aged women (53.9 +/- 9.9 yr; 28.3 +/- 6.0 kg/m2). Health histories, body composition, blood pressure, and blood samples were obtained from a clinical examination. Levels of moderate (3-6 METS) intensity physical activity, expressed as MET-minutes/day of energy expenditure, were derived from multiple 24-hour physical activity records. Physical fitness was quantified as duration of a symptom-limited maximal treadmill exercise test. RESULTS: After adjustment for race, body mass index (BMI), and hormone replacement status, a graded reduction in the Framingham risk score was observed across low (5.8%), moderate (4.0%), and high (3.6%) fitness levels (P for trend = 0.009). Women in both the moderate and high fitness categories had a lower (P < 0.01) risk score compared with their low fit counterparts. Significant differences in risk were not seen among low (3.9%), moderate (4.9%), and high (4.4%) physical activity groups. The lack of association between the risk score by physical activity may have been due to the homogeneity of activity levels among participants. Our findings reinforce existing data that show enhanced levels of fitness are associated with lower risk for CHD.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed2005

C-reactive protein and cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Fitness and obesity are both independently associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. C-reactive protein (CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular events is associated with obesity; but its association with cardiorespiratory fitness in early adulthood is uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and CRP, controlling for obesity in an unselected cohort of young adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in a representative birth cohort. METHODS: We measured CRP levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometric variables, blood pressure and smoking in 26-year-old men (n=400) and women (n=315). Log CRP levels were compared across cardiorespiratory fitness with adjustment for body mass index (BMI), sex, blood pressure, smoking and combined oral contraceptive use. RESULTS: Geometric mean CRP levels were higher in women (3.23 mg/l, 95% CI 2.85-3.64) compared with men (1.70 mg/l, 1.52-1.89). Regression analysis adjusting for sex and weight showed an inverse association between fitness and CRP (beta=-0.16, P<0.001). This association held after statistical controls were added for BMI, systolic blood pressure and smoking and combined oral contraceptive use (P< or =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiorespiratory fitness levels are inversely associated with CRP levels in young adults independent of obesity, blood pressure, smoking and combined oral contraceptive use in women. Physical fitness may decrease the risk of cardiovascular events by reducing inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

How long does it take to become fit?

To become fit an individual must generate optimal muscle strength and must develop cardiopulmonary reserve, or stamina. Physical fitness programmes require motivation, a graded series of appropriately designed exercises, and scientific surveillance. Motivation and efficiency in fitness programmes depends on early positive feedback to participants, confirming that stamina and strength are developing. A practical field experiment was performed to determine the minimum time that healthy young adults require to reach an initial plateau in objective measures of fitness. Fifty male university undergraduates were studied during an annual volunteer military training camp. Thirty had volunteered to take part in the fitness programme; the remaining 20 had initially rejected the offer but underwent the programme as part of their military training and acted as unmotivated controls. All the subjects became fit within 14 days of starting training, with objective improvement in both absolute strength and pulse recovery times. Non-motivated individuals, training with motivated individuals for 20 minutes each day, can therefore achieve levels of fitness indistinguishable from those of healthy highly motivated subjects. Fitness programmes must be carefully supervised, however, with medical examinations for those about to undergo vigorous exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Physical fitness of 9 year olds in England: related factors.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of social factors, passive smoking, and other parental health related factors, as well as anthropometric and other measurements on children's cardiorespiratory fitness. DESIGN: This was a cross sectional study. SETTING: The analysis was based on 22 health areas in England. PARTICIPANTS: The subjects were 299 boys and 282 girls aged 8 to 9 years. Parents did not give positive consent for 15% of the eligible sample. A further 25% of the eligible sample did not participate because the cycle-ergometer broke down, study time was insufficient, or they were excluded from the analysis because they were from ethnic minority groups or had missing data on one continuous variable. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined using the cycle-ergometer test. It was measured in terms of PWC85%-that is, power output per body weight (watt/kg) assessed at 85% of maximum heart rate. The association between children's fitness and biological and social factors was analysed in two stages. Firstly, multiple logistic analysis was used to examine the factors associated with the children's ability to complete the test for at least four minutes. Secondly, multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the independent association of the factors with PWC85%. In the logistic analysis, shorter children, children with higher blood pressure, and boys with a larger sibship size had poorer fitness. In the multiple regression analysis, only height (p < 0.001) was positively associated, and the sum of skinfold thicknesses at four sites (p = 0.001) was negatively associated with fitness in both sexes. In girls, a positive association was found with pre-exercise peak expiratory flow rate (p < 0.05), and there were negative associations with systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) and family history of heart attack (p < 0.05). In boys an association was found with skinfold distribution and fitness (p < 0.05), so that children with relatively less body fat were fitter. Social and health behaviour factors such as father's social class, father's employment status, or parents' smoking habits were unrelated to child's fitness. CONCLUSION: Height and obesity are strongly associated, and systolic blood pressure to a small extent, with children's fitness, but social factors are unrelated.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1993

A new approach to the interpretation of Canadian Home Fitness Test scores.

A modification of the Astrand (1960) nomogram procedure was applied to Canadian Home Fitness Test data obtained on 13,258 subjects, ages 15 to 69 years, during the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey. Norms were developed to allow an empirical five-level categorization of aerobic fitness, based on the attained rate of stepping and the recovery pulse count 5 to 15 s following exercise. Because of uncertainties regarding the net mechanical efficiency of stepping and the selective recruitment of fit older subjects, the apparent rate of aerobic fitness decrease with aging was no more than half of that seen in laboratory measurements, and the sex differential at any given age (about 25%) was larger than expected. The new approach thus does not claim a high level of accuracy for the predicted peak MET values. Nevertheless, it has an inherent advantage over the equation of Jetté et al. (1976) in that it takes more direct account of variations in pulse count when categorizing fitness. Moreover, there is no artificial ceiling that limits scores for very fit subjects. Tests are now needed to assess the accuracy of the proposed fitness categorizations relative to laboratory determinations of maximal oxygen intake.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Low physical fitness in childhood is associated with the development of asthma in young adulthood: the Odense schoolchild study.

Intense physical activity in children may either improve fitness and protect against asthma, or may trigger symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine whether physical fitness in childhood has an impact on the development of asthma. In this prospective, community-based study, 757 (84%) asymptomatic children with an average age at inclusion of 9.7 yrs were followed for 10.5 yrs. In both surveys a maximal progressive exercise test on a bicycle ergometer was used to measure physical fitness (maximal workload) and to induce airway narrowing. A methacholine provocation test was performed in the subjects at follow-up. During the 10-yr study period, 51 (6.7%) of the previously asymptomatic children developed asthma. These subjects had a lower mean physical fitness in 1985 than their peers: (3.63 versus 3.89 W x kg(-1); p=0.02) in boys and (3.17 versus 3.33 W x kg(-1); p=0.02) in girls. A weak correlation was found between physical fitness in childhood and airway responsiveness to methacholine at follow-up when adjusted for body mass index, age and sex (r=0.11; p<0.01). In a multiple regression analysis, physical fitness was inversely related to the development of physician diagnosed asthma, odds ratio=0.93 (0.87-0.99). Thus, the risk for the development of asthma during adolescence is reduced 7% by increasing the maximal workload 1 W x kg(-1). In conclusion, this study showed that physical fitness in childhood is weakly correlated with the development of asthma during adolescence and that high physical fitness seems to be associated with a reduced risk for the development of asthma.

Asthma↗
PubMed2003

The effect of cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity on cancer mortality in women and men.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the independent and combined effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity on all-cause cancer mortality for women and men. METHODS: Using the Lipids Research Clinics Prevalence Study, we examined the relationship of fitness and obesity on cancer mortality among 2585 women and 2890 men followed from 1972-1976 to 1998. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using a treadmill test and obesity was assessed using body mass index (BMI) calculated from measured height and weight. Gender-specific hazard ratios (HR) were calculated from proportional hazard models, which included covariates for age, education, smoking, alcohol intake, Keys score, and menopause (women only). RESULTS: Adjusted cancer mortality was significantly lower in the most fit quintile relative to the other four quintiles for men (HR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.81) but not for women (HR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.52-1.36). Adjusted cancer mortality was significantly higher in the highest BMI quintile relative to the other four BMI quintiles for women (HR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.06-2.09) but not for men (HR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.77-1.43). Further adjustment for BMI on fitness and adjustment for fitness on BMI did not meaningfully change the HR. There were no significant interactions between fitness and obesity in predicting cancer mortality for either women or men. CONCLUSION: In this study, high fitness was a stronger predictor of cancer mortality in men, whereas high BMI was a stronger predictor of cancer mortality in women.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Associations between aerobic fitness and estrogen metabolites in premenopausal women.

UNLABELLED: Chronic physical activity may alter estrogen metabolism, a proposed biomarker of breast cancer risk, by causing a shift toward higher 2-OHE1 and lower 16alpha-OHE1 levels. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between an objective indicator of chronic exercise, aerobic fitness, and 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-OHE1 in premenopausal women. METHODS: Women with high aerobic fitness (N=17; VO2max>or=48 mL.kg.min-1) were compared with women with average aerobic fitness (N=13; VO2max<or=40 mL.kg.min-1) in terms of 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-OHE1 profiles. Participants were healthy, regularly menstruating, Caucasian women, aged 20-42 yr, with a normal body mass index (BMI) of 18-24, not using pharmacologic contraceptives. We measured height, weight, sum of four skinfolds, and maximal aerobic fitness (VO2max), using an incremental cycle ergometer test. Urine samples were collected during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between average and highly fit women for 2-OHE1, 16alpha-OHE1, or the 2:16alpha-OHE1 ratio in either the follicular or luteal phase. However, the high-fitness group showed a trend toward a higher luteal 2:16alpha-OHE1 (P=0.20). In ancillary analyses, a higher sum of skinfolds was associated with significantly higher luteal 16-OHE1 levels (r=0.39, P=0.03) and lower luteal phase 2:16 OHE ratio (r=-0.41, P=0.02). Higher BMI was associated with lower follicular phase 2-OHE1 (r=-0.37, P=0.04) and lower follicular 2:16 OHE1 ratio (r=-40, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: This exploratory study is the first to investigate the association between aerobic fitness and estrogen metabolites in premenopausal women using metabolic parameters. We observed no statistically significant association between aerobic fitness and 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-OHE1, but found that body composition was associated with 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-OHE1 levels.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Physical fitness assessment: an update.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) gives the following definition of health-related physical fitness: Physical fitness is defined as a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity. It is also characterized by (1) an ability to perform daily activities with vigor, and (2) a demonstration of traits and capacities that are associated with a low risk of premature development of hypokinetic diseases (e.g., those associated with physical inactivity). Information from an individual's health and medical records can be combined with information from physical fitness assessment to meet the specific health goals and rehabilitative needs of that individual. Attaining adequate informed consent from participants prior to exercise testing is mandatory because of ethical and legal considerations.A physical fitness assessment includes measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular fitness, and musculoskeletal flexibility. The three common techniques for assessing body composition are hydrostatic weighing, and skinfold measurements, and anthropometric measurements. Cardiorespiratory endurance is a crucial component of physical fitness assessment because of its strong correlation with health and health risks. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the traditionally accepted criterion for measuring cardiorespiratory endurance. Although maximal-effort tests must be used to measure VO2max, submaximal exercise can be used to estimate this value. Muscular fitness has historically been used to describe an individual's integrated status of muscular strength and muscular endurance. An individual's muscular strength is specific to a particular muscle or muscle group and refers to the maximal force (N or kg) that the muscle or muscle group can generate. Dynamic strength can be assessed by measuring the movement of an individual's body against an external load. Isokinetic testing may be performed by assessing the muscle tension generated throughout a range of motion at a constant angular velocity. The ability of a muscle group to perform repeated contractions over a specific period of time that is sufficient to cause fatigue is termed muscular endurance. Musculoskeletal flexibility evaluations focus on the joints and associated structures, ligaments, and muscles that cross the joints. The sit-and-reach test and the behind-the-back reach test satisfy many of the criteria for physical assessment of musculoskeletal flexibility. A physical fitness assessment must be integrated into all activities of daily living, as well as the physician's examination, to assess and promote health.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2002

Physical activity and health-related physical fitness in Taiwanese adolescents.

The relationship between physical activity and health-related physical fitness was evaluated in 282 Taiwanese adolescents 12-14 years of age. The subjects were randomly selected from the 7th, 8th and 9th grades in two junior high schools in Taiwan. Physical activity was estimated as total daily energy expenditure and energy expenditure in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from 24-hour activity records for three days, two week days and one weekend day. Health-related fitness was assessed as the one-mile run (cardiorespiratory endurance), timed sit-ups (abdominal strength and endurance), sit-and-reach (lower back flexibility), and subcutaneous fatness (sum of the triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and medial calf skinfolds). Physical activity is significantly and positively correlated with one-mile run performance and the sit-and-reach, but not with sit-ups and subcutaneous fatness. Overall, the strength of the relationships between estimated energy expenditure and specific fitness items in the total sample vary from low to moderate, with only 1% to 12% of the variance in fitness variables being explained by estimated energy expenditure. Comparisons of active versus inactive, and fit versus unfit adolescents provide additional insights. The more active (highest quartile) are also more fit in cardiorespiratory endurance and in the sit-and-reach than the less active (lowest quartile), and the more fit in the one-mile run (better time, lowest quartile) and the sit-and-reach (highest quartile) are more active than the less fit in each item, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Physical fitness and changes in mortality: the survival of the fittest.

Physical fitness is a term describing maximal aerobic capacity adjusted for body size and composition, and is an integrated measure of cardiorespiratory and neuromusculo-skeletal function, oxygen transport and delivery, and psychological drive. Accordingly, high physical fitness requires that all these important body functions function normally, while low physical fitness suggests malfunction of one or more of them. High levels of physical fitness--maintained through heavy daily exercise--has probably been a necessary requirement for survival in the earlier history of humans. In modern, industrialised countries the demand for physical activity to sustain life is declining, and a decline in physical fitness is observed in many populations. Epidemiological studies over the past 50 years have unanimously shown that low physical activity and physical fitness is associated with high cardiovascular and total mortality. Recent data also suggest that low physical activity and physical fitness is followed by an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus and nonfatal cardiovascular diseases. A number of unfavourable biochemical and physiological aberrations following physical inactivity probably explain these observations. However, recent studies also indicate that changes in physical activity, and especially changes that bring increases in physical fitness, can reverse this rather pessimistic scenario. The Global Burden of Disease Study initiated by the World Health Organization included physical inactivity among the most important risk factors threatening global health. A sedentary life style may be as detrimental to health as smoking. Encouragement of physical activity is an important and difficult task, as society is becoming increasingly successful in reducing our need to move.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Perceived exertion during physical exercise among individuals high and low in fitness.

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of fitness level and gradually increased amounts of exercise on individuals' ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). 20 men served as paid subjects. They were divided into groups of high ( > 56 ml/kg/min.) and low fitness ( < 46 ml/kg/min.) according to their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 (max)). Participants were required to pedal on a cycle ergometer at a progressively increased workload (every 10 min.) corresponding to 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of individual VO2 (max) values. Heart rates, RPE, and core temperatures were recorded every 5th minute after the initiation of exercising at a specific workload. Analysis indicated that, when controlling for VO2 (max) values, elevations of heart rate and core temperature were not affected by fitness. However, highly fit individuals perceived themselves under less exertion than did the group low in fitness. Correlations showed that, taking into consideration fitness, there is a stronger relationship between RPE and heart rate and RPE and core temperature for the highly fit individuals than for the less fit.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Behavioral, psychological, and demographic predictors of physical fitness.

Achieving higher levels of physical fitness has become a goal of many American both for personal reasons (e.g., improved health and well-being) and for organizational reasons (e.g., corporate cost-savings; operational effectiveness). Understanding the factors which relate to physical fitness could help people improve their fitness. This study examined 1,357 Navy men to estimate the associations among behavioral, psychological, and background factors and four components of physical fitness: (a) cardiorespiratory endurance (1.5-mile run), (b) muscular endurance (sit-ups), (c) flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and (d) body composition (estimated percent fat). Controlling for exercise activities, physical fitness was positively associated with "wellness" behaviors, believing in the importance of physical fitness, expecting to reach/maintain ideal weight, being athletic as a youth, and education; fitness was negatively associated with tobacco use, "preventive/avoidance" behaviors, age, and ever being overweight. Identifying and dealing constructively with such factors may help to structure better fitness programs tailored to the individual.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Physical fitness and all-cause mortality in hypertensive men.

All-cause death rates in normotensive and hypertensive men were examined across physical fitness levels. Subjects were 10,224 healthy normotensive men and 1,832 men who reported a history of hypertension, but were otherwise healthy. Physical fitness was determined by maximal treadmill exercise testing. Baseline preventive medical examinations were given during 1970-1981, and mortality surveillance was conducted on the cohort through 1985. There were 240 deaths in the normotensive men and 78 deaths in hypertensive men. Age-adjusted all-cause mortality rates per 10,000 man-years of follow-up in normotensive men ranged from 64.0 in the least fit quintile to 18.6 in the most fit quintile. Corresponding rates for hypertensive men were 110.5 to 24.8. Subjects were further classified into lower and higher blood pressure groups by baseline resting systolic blood pressure (less than 140 mmHg and greater than or equal to 140 mmHg). Normotensive and hypertensive men who were more fit had lower death rates compared to less fit men within both of the measured blood pressure strata. The relation between fitness and all-cause mortality held in multiple logistic regression analyses after adjustment for the influence of age, serum cholesterol, resting systolic blood pressure, body mass index, current smoking habit, and length of follow-up. We conclude that low levels of physical fitness result in an increased risk for all-cause mortality in normotensive and hypertensive men.

Adult↗