Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database

BackgroundPhenotypic age (PA), a novel signature of morbidity and mortality risk based on clinically collected parameters, is considered one of the most promising biomarkers for capturing aging. However, unequivocal evidence on the link between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), assessed by estimated...

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Main Authors: Yi Shen, Wanying Shen, Yongyao Shen, Bo Chen, Cui Wu, Liying Jiang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1503135/full
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author Yi Shen
Wanying Shen
Yongyao Shen
Bo Chen
Cui Wu
Liying Jiang
Liying Jiang
author_facet Yi Shen
Wanying Shen
Yongyao Shen
Bo Chen
Cui Wu
Liying Jiang
Liying Jiang
author_sort Yi Shen
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundPhenotypic age (PA), a novel signature of morbidity and mortality risk based on clinically collected parameters, is considered one of the most promising biomarkers for capturing aging. However, unequivocal evidence on the link between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), assessed by estimated maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max), and PA remains scarce, particularly within the first half of life. This study aims to explore the relationships between CRF and the age-adjusted value derived from the residuals of the regression of PA on chronological age (PhenoageAcceleration: PAA), uncovering the prognostic value of CRF in the early lifetime to provide perspectives for understanding and improving healthy aging.MethodsData from 3,069 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included and further examined. CRF status was determined by Vo2max according to gender and age-specific criteria, with low and moderate levels classified as impaired CRF. PA was calculated from multisystem blood biomarkers and chronological age. The association of CRF status with cross-sectional PAA was investigated, and subgroup analyses were further performed to explore and identify potentially vulnerable populations.ResultsIn the multivariable logistical regression analysis, maintenance of CRF was significantly and inversely associated with PAA, demonstrating a decreased risk of 42% in the high CRF group [OR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.36, 0.96), p = 0.033]. Compared with those with non-impaired CRF, those in the impaired group exhibited a rise in PA by 1.46 years [β (95% CI): 1.46 (1.03, 2.10), p = 0.040]. Interestingly, in the population of over 29 years’ old, a significant interaction between obesity and impaired CRF for PAA was observed (p = 0.018; p = 0.026).ConclusionsPoor CRF may serve as a potential risk factor for accelerated biological aging (BA) in relatively young populations, and the existence of obesity could exacerbate the aging process. This represents a potential intervention target for promoting healthy aging across different age groups in the future.
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spelling doaj-art-935e2276a1cd40e8985158a232c5de9b2025-08-20T03:28:48ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sports and Active Living2624-93672025-07-01710.3389/fspor.2025.15031351503135Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES databaseYi Shen0Wanying Shen1Yongyao Shen2Bo Chen3Cui Wu4Liying Jiang5Liying Jiang6Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, ChinaDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, ChinaDepartment of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, ChinaDepartment of Non-Communicable Disease, Baoshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Shanghai, Shanghai, ChinaJiading Central Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, ChinaDepartment of Prevention Medicine, College of Public Health, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, ChinaBackgroundPhenotypic age (PA), a novel signature of morbidity and mortality risk based on clinically collected parameters, is considered one of the most promising biomarkers for capturing aging. However, unequivocal evidence on the link between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), assessed by estimated maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max), and PA remains scarce, particularly within the first half of life. This study aims to explore the relationships between CRF and the age-adjusted value derived from the residuals of the regression of PA on chronological age (PhenoageAcceleration: PAA), uncovering the prognostic value of CRF in the early lifetime to provide perspectives for understanding and improving healthy aging.MethodsData from 3,069 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included and further examined. CRF status was determined by Vo2max according to gender and age-specific criteria, with low and moderate levels classified as impaired CRF. PA was calculated from multisystem blood biomarkers and chronological age. The association of CRF status with cross-sectional PAA was investigated, and subgroup analyses were further performed to explore and identify potentially vulnerable populations.ResultsIn the multivariable logistical regression analysis, maintenance of CRF was significantly and inversely associated with PAA, demonstrating a decreased risk of 42% in the high CRF group [OR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.36, 0.96), p = 0.033]. Compared with those with non-impaired CRF, those in the impaired group exhibited a rise in PA by 1.46 years [β (95% CI): 1.46 (1.03, 2.10), p = 0.040]. Interestingly, in the population of over 29 years’ old, a significant interaction between obesity and impaired CRF for PAA was observed (p = 0.018; p = 0.026).ConclusionsPoor CRF may serve as a potential risk factor for accelerated biological aging (BA) in relatively young populations, and the existence of obesity could exacerbate the aging process. This represents a potential intervention target for promoting healthy aging across different age groups in the future.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1503135/fullcardiorespiratory fitnessphenotypic ageobesityNHANEShealthy aging
spellingShingle Yi Shen
Wanying Shen
Yongyao Shen
Bo Chen
Cui Wu
Liying Jiang
Liying Jiang
Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
cardiorespiratory fitness
phenotypic age
obesity
NHANES
healthy aging
title Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database
title_full Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database
title_fullStr Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database
title_full_unstemmed Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database
title_short Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population: a study based on the NHANES database
title_sort association of cardiorespiratory fitness with phenotypic age in younger population a study based on the nhanes database
topic cardiorespiratory fitness
phenotypic age
obesity
NHANES
healthy aging
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1503135/full
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