Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in young adult Finnish men between 2003 and 2015

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness is strongly related to health and may offer valuable information about public health. We investigated trends in physical fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and anthropometry of young healthy adult Finnish men in representative population based samples between 2003 and 2015. METHODS: Three independent cross-sectional samples of 18-35 year old Finnish men were assessed in 2003 (n=889), 2008 (n=803) and 2015 (n=690). Cardiorespiratory (VO2 max) and muscular fitness (1-min sit-ups and push-ups), body mass and height and were measured. Self-reported LTPA was assessed. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, education, and smoking, cardiorespiratory fitness was higher in 2003 (mean: 43.5, 95%CI: 42.9-44.1 ml/kg/min) compared to 2008 (41.3, 95%CI: 40.7-41.9 ml/kg/min) and 2015 (40.6, 95%CI: 40.0-41.2 ml/kg/min) (p<0.001), whereas no difference was observed between 2008 and 2015. The lowest values in muscular fitness were observed in 2003, while no clear trends were further noticed. The adjusted BMI was higher in 2008 (25.1, 95%CI: 24.9-25.4) and 2015 (25.3, 95%CI: 25.3, 95%CI: 25.0-25.6) compared to 2003 (24.5, 95%CI: 24.3-24.8) (p<0.005). In 2015, a higher proportion of individuals exercised at least 4 times per week compared to 2003 and 2008 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The decrease of cardiorespiratory fitness that took place between 2003 and 2008 plateaued after 2008. The plateau is in accordance with the previously observed trend of 5-10 years younger Finnish men. Moreover, muscular fitness was for the most part higher in 2008 and 2015 compared to 2003. Efforts directed to promote regular physical activity and improve physical fitness are needed.