Longitudinal changes in physical capacity from adolescence to middle age in men and women

M Westerståhl, E Jansson, M Barnekow-Bergkvist, U Aasa, M Westerståhl, E Jansson, M Barnekow-Bergkvist, U Aasa

Abstract

The aim was to investigate how physical capacity changes from adolescence through early adulthood to middle age with focus on early aging. The aim was also to study if physical capacity in middle age could be predicted by factors in adolescence or early adulthood. A cohort of men and women in Sweden (SPAF-1958, n = 425) have been followed for 36 years, at 16, 34, and 52 years of age. The study includes, among other variables, objective measures of physical capacity. At age 52, 50% of the original cohort participated in exercise testing. Physical capacity increased from 16 to 34 years. From 34 to 52 years, physical capacity decreased in both genders by 15-20% in all but one test. Physical capacity at 16 and 34 years of age were better predictors of physical capacity at age 52 than body dimensions, school grades and life style factors. In conclusion, present data confirm earlier cross-sectional studies regarding the decrease in aerobic capacity and muscular strength during the early ageing period in both genders. The study has also generated novel data that show a smaller decline in muscular endurance than previously reported. Finally, physical capacity is fairly stable from adolescence to middle age.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Physical capacity at 16, 34 and 52 years of age. y = years, N = Newton. Differences between groups are denoted as follows: *Significant gender difference, #significant percentage change from 16 years (gender specific), §significant percentage change from 34 years (gender specific), χsignificant gender difference in percentage change from 16 years, ¤Significant gender difference in percentage change from 34 years, (a) Absolute VO2max. All p-values < 0.001 with the exception for the percentage change in men from 16 to 52 years of age (p < 0.01). (b) Relative VO2max. All p-values < 0.001. (c) Two-hand lift. All p-values < 0.001 with the exception for the percentage change in women from 16 to 34 years of age (p < 0.01). (d) Bench press. All p-values < 0.001 with the exception for the percentage change in women in bench press from 34 to 52 years of age (p < 0.01). (e) Curl-up. All p-values < 0.001. (f) Back endurance. All p-values < 0.001 with the exception for the gender difference in percentage change (p < 0.05).

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