Individual and interpersonal correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults – Findings from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an established predictor of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate potential behavioral, interpersonal and socioeconomic correlates of CRF among men and women living in Germany using data from a population-based nationwide cross-sectional study. 1,439 men and 1,486 women aged 18–64 participated in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (2008–2011) and completed a standardized sub-maximal cycle ergometer test. Maximal oxygen consumption ( V̇O_2max ) in ml·min −1 ·kg −1 was estimated. Mean values of VO 2 max for various anthropometric, behavioral, interpersonal, and sociodemographic variables were estimated. Linear regression analyses using multiple imputations technique for missing values was performed to analyze the influence of potential correlates on CRF. Women with high alcohol consumption had higher V̇O_2max , ( β = 2.20; 95