The Japanese Journal of Physiology
Print ISSN : 0021-521X
Cardiopulmonary Fitness in a Sample of Malaysian Population
Rabindarjeet SINGHHarbindar Jeet SINGHRoland G. SIRISINGHE
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1989 Volume 39 Issue 4 Pages 475-485

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Abstract

Lung capacity and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were measured directly in 167 healthy males, from all the main races in Malaysia. Their ages ranged from 13 to 59 years. They were divided into five age groups (A to E), ranging from the second to the sixth decade. Lung capacities were determined using a dry spirometer and VO2 max was taken as the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exhaustive exercise on a cycle ergometer. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 3.3±0.5l and it correlated negatively with age. Mean VO2 max was 3.2±0.2l•min-1 (56.8±3.5ml•kg-1•min-1) in Group A (13-19 years) compared to 1.7±0.2l•min-1(28.9±2.9ml•kg-1•min-1) in Group E (50-59 years). Regression analysis revealed an age-related decline in VO2 max of 0.77ml•kg-1min-1•year-1. Multiple regression of the data gave the following equations for the prediction of an individual's VO2 max: VO2 max (l•min-1)=1.99±0.035 (weight)-0.04 (age), VO2 max (ml•kg-1 min-1)=67.7-0.77 (age), where age is in years, weight in kg. In terms of VO2 max as an index of cardiopulmonry performance, Malaysians have a relatively lower capacity when related to the Swedish norms or even to those of some Chilean workers. Malaysians were, however, within the average norms of the American Heart Association's recommendations. Age-related decline in VO2 max was also somewhat higher in the Malaysians.

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