The importance of cardiorespiratory fitness
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured by VO₂max, is a key indicator of overall health, surpassing markers like cholesterol and blood pressure. VO₂max measures the maximum oxygen the body can use during intense exercise, reflecting aerobic capacity and endurance.
Research links higher CRF to reduced risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and to lower rates of premature mortality. Regular assessment of CRF and VO₂max helps in early detection and prevention of health issues.
CRF and general health
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured by VO₂max, is more than just a crucial health indicator. Endorsed by the American Heart Association, regular VO₂max assessments surpass traditional markers like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body weight in predicting health outcomes. Individuals with low VO₂max face a significantly higher risk of premature mortality compared to those with high VO₂max, highlighting its vital role in health assessment.
Source: Importance of assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in clinical practice: a case for fitness as a clinical vital sign: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.” Circulation 134.24 (2016): e653-e699.
CRF and mental health
CRF indicated by VO₂max, plays a crucial role in mental health. Studies show a 76% higher incidence of depression in those with low CRF compared to 23% in those with average CRF. Individuals with higher VO₂max are less likely to use mood stabilisers, regardless of gender. Additionally, improving CRF is linked to a lower risk of mental health issues and enhances cognitive well-being, underscoring the multifaceted impact of CRF on mental health.
Source: Dishman, R. K., Sui, X., Church, T. S., Hand, G. A., Trivedi, M. H., & Blair, S. N. (2012). Decline in cardiorespiratory fitness and odds of incident depression. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(4), 361–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.06.011
CRF in a hospital setting
In hospital settings, assessing CRF through VO₂max is vital. Before surgery, evaluating CRF helps measure a patient’s health and predict surgical outcomes, allowing for tailored pre-surgery preparations. Additionally, VO₂max assessments identify high-risk patients who may require closer monitoring or alternative treatment approaches. Post-surgery, monitoring changes in VO₂max informs healthcare professionals about rehabilitation progress, enabling adjustments to optimise recovery.
Source: Kokkinos, P. et al. (2023). Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and survival in patients with or without cardiovascular disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 81(12), 1137-1147.
CRF in sports
CRF is a key metric in sports, guiding training regimens, optimizing performance, and reducing the risk of overtraining. By measuring CRF through VO₂max, athletes can enhance their endurance, resilience, and overall well-being. Exercise performed frequently over weeks or months may improve CRF with 15-20% in VO₂max in adults. This improvement underscores the profound importance and impact of CRF in sports and its role in supporting long-term health and performance outcomes.
Source: Skinner, J. S., Wilmore, K. M., Jaskólski, A., Gagnon, J., Rao, D. C., Wilmore, J. H., Bouchard, C., & Leon, A. S. (2000). Relevance of fitness to mortality in normal and overweight men and women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32(1), 157-161. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200001000-00024
Improving and optimising VO₂max is crucial for overall health.
Measure and Compare: Tracking VO₂Max Across Age and Gender with Seismofit®
This table provides a clear overview of VO₂Max values, categorized by age group, gender, and various levels of cardiovascular performance. With Seismofit®, users can measure their VO₂Max and compare it against these benchmarks to gain insights into their aerobic capacity.
As a natural part of aging, VO₂Max values typically decrease over time, making it valuable to track these changes. By locating the appropriate age group and gender in the table, individuals can see where their current VO₂Max stands in relation to common fitness levels for their demographic.
Seismofit® enables users to stay informed about their cardiovascular health by providing accurate, personalized VO₂Max readings that can be monitored and compared over time.
Publications on the importance of VO2max
Extensive evidence highlights cardiorespiratory fitness as a vital health indicator, one that can be improved through personal efforts. Explore our collection of key publications that emphasise the significance of assessing VO₂max, providing an easy overview of its impact on overall health.
Seismofit®: The better alternative to conventional VO₂max testing
No Physical Exhaustion Required
Seismofit® offers a VO₂Max measurement method that eliminates the need for intense physical exertion. Traditional methods often require participants to push themselves to exhausting levels, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to strenuous exercise or physically unable to complete the required tasks for various reasons. With Seismofit®, users can measure their VO₂Max comfortably while lying down, making the process more accessible and less physically demanding for everyone.
Precise and Reliable
Seismofit® addresses common imprecision issues found in traditional methods, such as instrument variability, environmental conditions, and individual respiratory patterns. These factors often contribute to variances in VO₂Max estimations, making consistent and reliable results challenging to achieve. By offering a more controlled and less variable testing environment, Seismofit® ensures greater accuracy and dependability in VO₂Max measurements.
No Calibration Needed
Traditional VO₂Max testing methods require routine calibration to maintain measurement accuracy, demanding meticulous practices to minimize potential errors. Seismofit® simplifies this process by eliminating the need for routine calibration, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements with minimal effort.
Simple to Use
Traditional VO₂Max testing methods require highly trained staff to perform the tests and interpret the measurements. The Seismofit® sensor and app are simple to use, ensuring reliable and accurate results without the need for specialized training or constant calibration. This makes the process more accessible while maintaining high standards of precision.