Fig. 2.
Individual relative V̇o2max data of young exercisers (YE), lifelong aerobic exercisers (LLE), and old healthy untrained individuals (OH) compared with normative values from the FRIEND database (n = 2,777) (28). The FRIEND database was used due to similar graded exercise test mode (cycle), and those data were generated from direct gas analysis rather than estimates. These values are compared with an estimated female-specific frailty threshold of 14 ml·kg−1·min−1 (10, 28, 37). Although this threshold has not been as well established in women as it is in men [(17.5 ml/kg/min; 5 metabolic equivalents (METs)] (37), this estimate may be the prognostic exercise capacity necessary for an independent lifestyle in women. Furthermore, failure to remain above this threshold may result in an increased risk for mortality as described by Myers et al. (37). FRIEND, fitness registry and the importance of exercise national database; V̇o2max, maximal oxygen consumption.