Physical activity and the body
Cardiorespiratory fitness is a useful way to assess physical fitness and can be objectively measured using an exercise stress test or maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max). In this video, Michael talks us through one of these tests (taken here by our volunteer, Dave) explaining what is happening to heart rate and breathing, and what this means for our health.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is the ability of the circulatory, respiratory, and muscular systems to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity. Low cardiorespiratory fitness not only presents challenges for physical independence and quality of life but has been consistently linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and dementia.
Ageing is associated with a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness with VO2max declining at a rate of 1% per year after the age of thirty.
Is cardiorespiratory fitness something that you are aware of? Have you noticed any decline in your own fitness or in the fitness of friends/relatives?
The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age
The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age
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