| Keywords |
Older men; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Metabolic complications; Physical activity |
| Abstract |
The association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and metabolic syndrome (Mets) is unclear in older Korean adults. The current study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of CRF for risk stratification of Mets in older Korean men. The data used in the study were obtained from 1220 men aged 65 years and older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV and V. CRF was estimated using a previously validated algorithm. Mets was defined using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program with the adoption of a Korean-specific waist circumference cutoff point for men. Age, weight, income, marriage, education, smoking, and alco- hol consumption were included as covariates. The current findings of the study suggest that the lowest 25%CRF was sig- nificantly associated with increased risks for abdominal obesity (p < 0.001), hyperglyceridemia (p = 0.050), and hypertension (p = 0.017) in Korean older men. Furthermore, the highest 25% eCRF was significantly associated with a lower risk of MetS (odds ratio, OR = 0.555, 95% confidence interval = 0.363-0.847, p = 0.006) compared to the lowest 25% eCRF (OR = 1). The current findings of the study suggest that physical activity targeting CRF promotion should be emphasized as a therapeutic measure against the risk for MetS in older men. |