Predictors of VO2max in a Working Population

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the association of functional aerobic capacity (VO2max) with work and non-work related physical activity as measured by the SenseWear Mini armband in a Swiss working population.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 337 healthy and at least 80% employed adult workers were recruited. Demographic data, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded in all subjects. Energy expenditure and physical activity were measured by the SenseWear Mini armband for seven consecutive days (23 hours/day). VO2max was evaluated using the multistage 20 meter shuttle run test.
Results: 303 participants were considered for analysis (63% male, 37% female, age 33.3 yrs, SD 12.4, BMI 24.3 kg/m2, SD 3.4). Multiple linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.70) with VO2max as dependent variable showed significant positive associations of VO2max with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) at high intensity (β = 0.111) and with active energy expenditure (β = 0.122), but not with occupational physical activity (OPA) at any intensity. Gender (β = -0.599), age (β = -0.271), BMI (β = -0.265), smoking (β = -0.132) and the ratio of maximum to resting heart rate (β = 0.183) were also identified as independent predictors of VO2max. On workdays, VO2max was significantly higher in participants who fulfilled the global recommendations on physical activity compared to insufficiently active counterparts.
Conclusion: The present results suggest that VO2max was positively associated with LTPA, but not with OPA on workdays. This finding emphasizes the need for employees to engage in sufficient high-intensity physical activity in recreation for maintaining or improving VO2max with regard to health benefits.
Key Words: MAXIMUM OXYGEN UPTAKE, OCCUPATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SENSEWEAR MINI ARMBAND, INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE (IPAQ)