Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between coronary heart disease (CHD) risk indicators and the health-related fitness (HRF) parameters in middle-aged women aged 40-60 years. Their mean body height was 162.2+/-3.4 cm, body mass - 69.3+/-10.2 kg. Body composition was assessed with the bioelectrical impedance method. The concentrations of total cholesterol (CHOL), HDL-C, LDL-C, triacylglycerols and glucose were measured in venous blood. Maximal O2 consumption (VO2max) was measured directly in an incremental treadmill walk test. EUROFIT test battery for adults was used to evaluate HRF of subjects. Mean oxygen consumption was 28.1+/-4.3 ml/min/kg, and the result of the 2 km walk test index - 103.6+/-9.0. Anthropometric variables (except body height) influenced the results of some HRF tests (bent arm hang, handgrip, 2 km walk test). VO2max/kg correlated significantly with 2 km walk test index (r=0.624; P<0.001) and with all tests reflecting flexibility (side-bending of the trunk, sit-and-reach, shoulder abduction; correlation coefficients ranging from 0.401 to 0.468). Among the blood lipid concentrations, only CHOL correlated with the 2 km walk test (r=-0.451; P<0.05) and with handgrip (r=-0.534; P<0.01) and HDL-C with the vertical jump (r=-0.407; P<0.05). In conclusion, HRF was uncorrelated with most CHD risk indicators in middle-aged women. Verf.-Referat