Abstract:
Fitness measurements were compared from approximately 12,000 men and 5,000 women attending
the BUPA Health Screening Centre, London, with published Canadian levels. The mean
(±SD) predicted VO2-max values in the BUPA group were 35.1 (±9.2) and 30.0 (±8.4) ml/kg/min for men and
women aged 15-64 years, respectively. These compare with means of 44.1 and 34.3 in
men and women of the same age in Canada. A comparison of flexibility measurements
showed that in all age groups the BUPA subjects were less flexible than their Canadian
counterparts, on average 28.7% and 25.1% lower for men and women, respectively. Comparison
of grip strength showed BUPA values to be on average 8.1% lower in men and 9.5% lower
in women than the Canadian levels. Analysis of variance showed that the fitness measurements
reflect the recorded physical activity in the BUPA sample, and in particular the predicted
VO2-max and flexibility exhibit linear relationships with age and exercise levels.
Key-Words
Fitness - Flexibility - Screening - VO
2-max
