| Abstract: | This study investigated the longitudinal associations of self‐rated physical fitness and estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality. A total of 59 741 participants in the Finnish National FINRISK Study Cohort had data on self‐rated physical fitness and covariates. A subsample of 4823 participants had estimated VO2max data. Follow‐up ranged from 3 to 38 years. Associations of self‐rated physical fitness and VO2max with mortality were analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. The study showed that poor self‐rated physical fitness was related to all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8‐2.0) and mortality due to cardiovascular (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.9‐2.2), cerebrovascular (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6‐2.2) and respiratory diseases (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.9‐2.4), trauma (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3‐2.0), infections (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3‐2.7), dementia (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6‐2.3), and cancer (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5‐1.9). Coexisting higher age, physical inactivity, male gender, and severe chronic conditions further increased the risk. In men, higher VO2max was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer mortality (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7‐0.96). Based on the results, s elf‐rated physical fitness reflects a combination of unfavorable biological and lifestyle‐related factors, which increase mortality risk. A simple question about perceived physical fitness may reveal at‐risk individuals who would benefit from more intensive treatment of chronic conditions and other interventions aiming to promote better fitness and well‐being. |
