Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in young adult Finnish men between 2003 and 2015
Year of publication
2020
Authors
Vaara, Jani P.; Santtila, Matti; Vasankari, Tommi; Fogelholm, Mikael; Mäntysaari, Matti; Pihlainen, Kai; Vaara, Elina; Kyröläinen, Heikki
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: 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.
Show moreOrganizations and authors
University of Helsinki
Fogelholm Mikael
Publication type
Publication format
Article
Parent publication type
Journal
Article type
Original article
Audience
ScientificPeer-reviewed
Peer-ReviewedMINEDU's publication type classification code
A1 Journal article (refereed), original researchPublication channel information
Parent publication name
Publisher
Volume
30
Issue
4
Pages
716-724
ISSN
Publication forum
Publication forum level
2
Open access
Open access in the publisher’s service
Yes
Open access of publication channel
Fully open publication channel
Self-archived
Yes
Other information
Fields of science
Public health care science, environmental and occupational health; Sport and fitness sciences
Keywords
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Publication country
United Kingdom
Internationality of the publisher
International
Language
English
International co-publication
No
Co-publication with a company
No
DOI
10.1111/sms.13619
The publication is included in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Publication data collection
Yes