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AEROBIC
FITNESS
Aerobic Fitness is endurance fitness, the ability to perform prolonged
periods of aerobic work. In aerobic work, the oxygen obtained from
the air is used for the combustion of fat and carbohydrates creating
the energy necessary to perform the work. 
MAXIMAL
OXYGEN UPTAKE (Vo2 max)
Vo2 max is maximal oxygen uptake
which indicates aerobic fitness - the ability to sustain work for
prolonged periods. This is usually experienced in the abilities
to walk, run, and climb uphill, swim, and other activities performed
continuously for more than 15 minutes. Aerobic fitness is related
to health. Fit people are usually healthier than unfit ones. Vo2
max is the best way to measure the aerobic fitness of an individual.
The test consists of walking/running on a treadmill, or cycling
on a bicycle ergometer at increased loads, for 12 to 15 minutes.
The oxygen used during the maximal effort is the maximal oxygen
uptake (Vo2 max). The higher the
Vo2 max the fitter is the individual.
The UFT predicts Vo2 max using
a 30 seconds step test.
ABSOLUTE
AND RELATIVE Vo2 max
Vo2 max is expressed as an absolute,
or relative value. Absolute Vo2
max is simply the maximal oxygen uptake expressed in liters per
minute. Absolute fitness is important in activities where body weight
is not lifted such as in cycling, swimming and handling of objects
and weights, other than body weight. Relative Vo2
max is absolute Vo2 max divided
by body weight and it is expressed in milliliters of oxygen per
body weight (kg) per minute (ml/kg/min). Relative Vo2
max is important in activities where body weight is lifted such
as in walking, running and climbing uphill. In adults, relative
Vo2 max is more important than
absolute Vo2 max as a health indicator.
UFT
Universal Fitness Tester. Predicts aerobic fitness and related
capabilities using a 30-second step test.
AEROBIC
FITNESS SCORES AND CATEGORIES
The UFT system rates each absolute and relative Vo2
max value by the assignment of fitness scores and categories. The
scores are age-sex adjusted, i.e., they rate an individual in relation
to his/her age-sex group, according to aerobic fitness norms in
the general population*. The scores range from below 48 indicating
very poor fitness, to 70 indicating average fitness, to 100 indicating
excellent fitness. The fitness categories are related to the fitness
scores . Seven fitness categories are included: Excellent, Very
Good, Good, Average, Fair, Poor and Very poor.
* Shvartz E, R.C. Reibold. Aerobic Fitness Norms For Males
And Females Aged 6-75: A review. Aviation, Space and Environmental
Medicine. 61:3-11,1990
MATHR
Maximal Allowable Training Heart Rate. The UFT system calculates
the recommended exercise heart rate for each individual based on
age,gender, weight, and fitness level. MATHR is the maximum heart
rate that should not be exceeded during an exercise session.
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