Correlates of Aerobic Performance in Adolescents and Adults

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is considered as a main indicator of cardiovascular health and is associated with a reduced risk of noncommunicable diseases. The objective is to explore the potential behavioral, interpersonal, socioeconomic, and anthropometric factors associated with a submaximal measure for CRF among adolescents and adults in Germany. Data were drawn from a population-based nationwide cross-sectional study, involving 2886 male and 3034 female participants aged 14–64 who were part of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (2008–2011) and the Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (2014–2017). Participants completed a submaximal cycle ergometer test to determine the relative power at the individual anaerobic lactate threshold (pLT₂) (W/kg). Multivariable survey-weighted mixed linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations of potential correlates with pLT₂. Among both sexes, being involved in physical exercise (PE) and activity (PA) and having a tertiary education was associated with hana higher pLT₂, whereas currently smoking and classified as overweight or obese was associated with a lower pLT₂. Among females being single and among males, a higher fruit consumption was associated with a higher pLT₂. A lower pLT₂ was associated with a higher waist circumference and a high junk food intake in females and being a former smoker and being single in males. Overall, PE and nonsmoking are the most important determinants for pLT₂; therefore, policies and interventions targeting those factors would be important for preventing noncommunicable diseases. Overall, these findings can offer valuable insights for customizing prevention strategies to meet the specific needs of different subgroups.