The Benefits of Utilizing Total Body Composition as a Predictor of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Based on Age: A Pilot Study

Jeffery L. Heileson, Zacharias Papadakis, Ahmed Ismaeel, Kathleen A. Richardson, Ricardo Torres, LesLee Funderburk, Andrew Gallucci, Panagiotis Koutakis and Jeffrey S. Forsse
Additional contact information
Jeffery L. Heileson: Department of Health Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
Zacharias Papadakis: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161, USA
Ahmed Ismaeel: Clinical Muscle Biology Laboratory, Biology Department, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
Kathleen A. Richardson: Department of Health Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
Ricardo Torres: Department of Health Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
LesLee Funderburk: Human Sciences and Design, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
Andrew Gallucci: Department of Health Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
Panagiotis Koutakis: Clinical Muscle Biology Laboratory, Biology Department, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
Jeffrey S. Forsse: Department of Health Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-8

Abstract: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) has been associated with body fat percentage (%BF) or fat free mass. However, most analyses do not consider total body composition (TBC) as defined by %BF, fat free mass index (FFMI—a height-adjusted measure of muscle mass), visceral adipose tissue, and bone mineral content (BMC). The aim of this study was to determine if TBC predicts cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy adults and if a relationship exists in young and older adults. Sixty healthy individuals (age group 1 (AG1, ≤35 years), n = 35; age group 2 (AG2, >35 years), n = 25) were screened in a cross-sectional study and retrospectively examined. All participants completed a full body DEXA scan and a standardized multistage treadmill test to determine VO 2 max. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between TBC and VO 2max . The multiple regression model showed an overall significant effect for TBC ( p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.282). When analyzed by age group, the regression model of TBC was not significant in young adults (AG1, p = 0.319, R 2 = 0.141), but significant in older adults (AG2, p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.683). Significant predictors of VO 2max in the older cohort were %BF ( β = −0.748, p = 0.001) and BMC ( β = 0.014, p = 0.002). Total body composition predicted VO 2max in a small cohort of healthy adults. This study highlights the importance of TBC for cardiovascular health, especially in mid-to later-life individuals.

Keywords: total body composition; cardiorespiratory fitness; percent body fat; bone mineral composition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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