Prediction Equations of Physical Fitness Age for Korean Adults

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop prediction equations for estimating the physical fitness age (PFA) of Korean adults in young (19-40 years), middle (41-64 years), and old (65-80 years) age groups.METHODS: Data from 122,842 individuals who participated in Korea National Physical Fitness Survey and National Fitness 100 from 2009 to 2014 were collected. Body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, agility, power, balance, and coordination were measured. Pearson’s correlation and stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data.RESULTS: The equations were as follows: PFA for young males=22.321 −.088 (20-m PACER)+.317 (body mass index [BMI]); PFA for young females=24.486 −.143 (20-m PACER)+.304 (BMI); PFA for middle-aged males=66.644 −.044 (standing long jump) −.069 (20-m PACER) – .201 (weight) −.075 (modified sit-ups)+.269 (10-m shuttle run)+.320 (BMI); PFA for middle-aged females=66.814 −.098 (standing long jump) −.113 (modified sit-ups); PFA for older males=84.795+.093 (figure-of-8 walk) −.100 (chair standing) −.122 (weight) −.102 (relative grip strength) −.060 (sit-and-reach)+.147 (3-m up-and-go); and PFA for older females=80.577+.097 (figureof-8 walk)+.306 (3-m up-and-go) −.280 (weight) −.088 (relative grip strength) −.069 (sit-and-reach)+.393 (BMI) −.088 (chair standing) −.011 (2-min step-in-place).CONCLUSIONS: Our prediction equations for PFA can be used as a tool to prescribe sex- and age-appropriate exercise program and to verify the effect of the application of the exercise program by comparing pre -and post-PFA.