Biomarkers · Functional Fitness
Cardiorespiratory Fitness (VO2 Max)
Higher values carry lower risk. Not measured in our NHANES panel; the curve is synthesised from the published association.
Hazard ratio relative to the curve's reference value, as synthesised from the published association.
Published hazard ratio0.49top vs bottom third (95% CI 0.42–0.57) · Cleveland Clinic Exercise Treadmill Cohort
Where people sit
Population percentiles (mL/kg/min) by sex and age band. Cycle or source as recorded in the catalogue.
| Sex | Age | 5th | 25th | Median | 75th | 95th | n | Cycle / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All | 20-39 | 29.0 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 48.0 | 57.5 | 1,800 | 1999-2004 |
| All | 40-59 | 24.0 | 30.0 | 35.0 | 41.0 | 50.0 | 1,700 | 1999-2004 |
| All | 60+ | 19.0 | 24.0 | 28.5 | 33.5 | 42.0 | 1,000 | 1999-2004 |
| All | all | 23.0 | 31.0 | 37.0 | 44.0 | 54.5 | 4,500 | 1999-2004 |
| Men | all | 28.0 | 36.0 | 42.0 | 48.5 | 58.5 | 2,200 | 1999-2004 |
| Women | all | 22.0 | 28.0 | 32.5 | 37.8 | 46.0 | 2,300 | 1999-2004 |
What studies found when this marker was changed
Effects on the biomarker reported in the cited studies. They describe what happened in those populations, not a recommendation for anyone. See all catalogued interventions.
| Type | Intervention | Reported effect | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| clinical | Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or HFrEF | -40% to -70% impairment (VO2 max < 14 mL/kg/min) | clinical guideline | Mancini DM, et al. Circulation. 1991;83:778-786. |
| exercise | High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-volume polarized Zone 2 endurance cardio | Increases VO2 Max by 4-8 mL/kg/min (15-25%) | RCT | National Center for Health Statistics. National Health and Nutrition Examination… |
| exercise | High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT 4x4 min @ 90% HRmax) | +4 to +8 mL/kg/min (+12% to +22%) VO2 max increase | meta-analysis | Milanovic Z, et al. Sports Med. 2015;45:1469-1481. |
| exercise | High-volume polarized aerobic base training (Zone 2 endurance) | +3 to +7 mL/kg/min increase; enhanced mitochondrial density | rct | Stoggl T, et al. Front Physiol. 2014;5:33. |
| lifestyle | Sedentary lifestyle and continuous physical inactivity | -10% per decade baseline decline (accelerates with inactivity) | prospective cohort | Mandsager K, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1:e183605. |
| nutraceutical | Dietary inorganic nitrate / Beetroot juice supplementation | +1 to +3 mL/kg/min acute increase in peak power / exercise economy | meta-analysis | Jones AM. Sports Med. 2014;44:S35-S45. |