Relationship between anthropometric characteristics and aerobic fitness among Malaysian men and women

Abstract

This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationships between anthropometric and aerobic fitness (rate of perceived exertion [RPE] and predicted maximal oxygen uptake [VO _2max]) among 228 participants (age: 23.78±4.42 years). RPE and predicted VO _2max were determined during the cycle ergometer exercise test. Data were also obtained for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hip and waist (WC) circumferences. Data analysis revealed VO _2max is correlated with WC ( r=−0.571), weight ( r=−0.521), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ( r=−0.516), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) ( r=−0.487), and BMI ( r=−0.47) in men, while, in women with WC ( r=−0.581), weight ( r=−0.571), WHtR ( r=−0.545), BMI ( r=−0.545), WHR ( r=−0.473), and height ( r=−0.287) (all P<0.05). Regression analysis showed WC was a significant predictor for VO _2max in men and women ( r ₂=32.6% vs. 33.7%). The receiver operating characteristic curve of WC showed 0.786 and 0.831 for men and women, respectively. WC or abdominal obesity is the strongest predictor for VO _2max, which is an indicator of aerobic fitness in Malaysian adults.