Measurement (or assessment) of CRF can assist the professional by providing valuable information that can be used to determine the intensity, duration, and mode of exercise recommended as part of an exercise program. Measuring Cardiorespiratory Fitness and the Maximal Oxygen Uptake
The skills and knowledge required to complete the assessment, interpret the results, and write an appropriate exercise prescription (ExR x) are an important responsibility of the exercise professional. The assessment of CRF is, therefore, an important part of any primary or secondary prevention and rehabilitative program. Increases in CRF result in a reduction in all-cause mortality ( 12, 13, 38, 61, 64). Low levels of CRF are associated with a marked increase in all-cause mortality (specifically from cardiovascular disease ). This type of association can be characterized as a dose-response relationship. Higher levels of CRF are often associated with higher levels of physical activity, which are associated with a number of health benefits. Thus, the ability to sustain this level of exertion is dependent on the integration of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. It is characterized by the body’s ability to perform moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise using large muscle groups in a dynamic/rhythmic and continuous manner for prolonged periods of time. For additional ancillary materials related to this chapter, please visit thePoint.Ĭardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is one of the five health-related components of physical fitness (CRF, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility).