Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life

Abstract

Background: There is limited data examining the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in healthy young adults. We examined the association between CRF and the HRQOL Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores in apparently healthy males in the United States Navy.

Methods: A total of 709 males (18-49 yr) performed a submaximal exercise test and HRQOL assessment (SF-12v2) between 2004-2006. CRF level was classified into fourths depending on age distribution with the lowest fitness quartile serving as the referent group. PCS and MCS scores >or= 50 were defined as above the norm. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The age-standardized prevalence of above the norm scores was lowest in the referent CRF quartile, PCS 56.6% and MCS 45.1%. After adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, smoking habit, alcohol habit and using the lowest CRF group as the reference, the OR (95% CI) for PCS scores above the norm across the fitness quartiles (P < 0.003 for trend) were 1.51(0.94-2.41), 2.24(1.29-3.90), and 2.44 (1.30-4.57); For MCS the OR (95% CI) were across the fitness quartiles (P trend < 0.001) 2.03(1.27-3.24), 4.53(2.60-7.90), 3.59(1.95-6.60).

Conclusion: Among males in the United States Navy relative higher levels of CRF are associated with higher levels of HRQOL.