A1 Journal article (refereed)
Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in young adult Finnish men between 2003 and 2015 (2020)
Vaara, J., Santtila, M., Vasankari, T., Fogelholm, M., Mäntysaari, M., Pihlainen, K., Vaara, E., & Kyröläinen, H. (2020). Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in young adult Finnish men between 2003 and 2015. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 30(4), 716-724. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13619
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Vaara, J.; Santtila, M.; Vasankari, T.; Fogelholm, M.; Mäntysaari, M.; Pihlainen, K.; Vaara, E.; Kyröläinen, H.
Journal or series: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
ISSN: 0905-7188
eISSN: 1600-0838
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 30
Issue number: 4
Pages range: 716-724
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13619
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67294
Abstract
Physical fitness is strongly related to health and may offer valuable information about public health. We investigated trends in physical fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and anthropometry of young healthy adult Finnish men in representative population based samples between 2003 and 2015.
METHODS:
Three independent cross-sectional samples of 18-35 year old Finnish men were assessed in 2003 (n=889), 2008 (n=803) and 2015 (n=690). Cardiorespiratory (VO2 max) and muscular fitness (1-min sit-ups and push-ups), body mass and height and were measured. Self-reported LTPA was assessed.
RESULTS:
After adjusting for age, education, and smoking, cardiorespiratory fitness was higher in 2003 (mean: 43.5, 95%CI: 42.9-44.1 ml/kg/min) compared to 2008 (41.3, 95%CI: 40.7-41.9 ml/kg/min) and 2015 (40.6, 95%CI: 40.0-41.2 ml/kg/min) (p<0.001), whereas no difference was observed between 2008 and 2015. The lowest values in muscular fitness were observed in 2003, while no clear trends were further noticed. The adjusted BMI was higher in 2008 (25.1, 95%CI: 24.9-25.4) and 2015 (25.3, 95%CI: 25.3, 95%CI: 25.0-25.6) compared to 2003 (24.5, 95%CI: 24.3-24.8) (p<0.005). In 2015, a higher proportion of individuals exercised at least 4 times per week compared to 2003 and 2008 (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION:
The decrease of cardiorespiratory fitness that took place between 2003 and 2008 plateaued after 2008. The plateau is in accordance with the previously observed trend of 5-10 years younger Finnish men. Moreover, muscular fitness was for the most part higher in 2008 and 2015 compared to 2003. Efforts directed to promote regular physical activity and improve physical fitness are needed.
Keywords: young adults; men; physical fitness; muscle fitness; body mass index
Free keywords: body mass index; leisure-time physical activity; muscular endurance; physical fitness; secular trends
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 2
