Factors affecting the estimated maximal oxygen uptake: a follow-up study of participants in the total health promotion plan.

Objectives: To elucidate the effects of risk factors for arteriosclerosis on estimated VO(2) max and obtain useful information to advise enterprise employees.

Subjects: One hundred and nineteen male and 87 female enterprise employees underwent exercise tests for health evaluation in the Total Health Promotion Plan at the Fukui Occupational Health Center between April 1990 and March 1993.

Methods: Multiple regression analysis was performed using estimated VO(2) max as the dependent variable, and percent body fat, blood pressure, blood tests, habitual physical activity, number of cigarettes smoked and alcohol consumption as independent variables in the first and second year, and for yearly changes in these variables.

Results: The significant variables selected were as follows: in the first year, systolic blood pressure and percent body fat in males, and age in females; in the second year, diastolic blood pressure and habitual physical activity in males and systolic blood pressure in females; for yearly changes in each variable, cigarettes in males and percent body fat in females were selected.

Conclusion: It was suggested that guidance to reduce cigarettes in males, and to keep a proper percent body fat in females would be effective in maintaining the estimated VO(2) max.