The FitTrack Index as fitness indicator : a pilot study

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Authors

Janse van Rensburg, Dina Christina
Grant, C.C. (Catharina Cornelia)
Audrey; Janse van Rensburg
Botha, R.P.G. (Roelf Petrus Gerhardus)
Wood, Paola Silvia
Nolte, Kim
Fletcher, Lizelle
Du Toit, Peet J.
Pepper, Michael Sean
Kruger, P.E. (Pieter Ernst)

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier

Abstract

BACKGROUND : The FitTrack Index is a web-based programme developed in South Africa and widely used by athletes to indicate their fitness. A need exists for a self-managed, noninvasive tool to evaluate and categorise health-related fitness in different population groups. The aim of this study was to compare the FitTrack Index with a reliable measure of cardio-respiratory fitness as indicated by maximal oxygen uptake (direct VO2max). METHODS AND RESULTS : During a 12-week cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study the direct laboratory tested VO2max indicated a moderate to strong correlation with the FitTrack Index (Spearman's rho ¼ 0.439, p ¼ 0.089 at baseline; Spearman's rho ¼ 0.853, p < 0.001 after 12 weeks). CONCLUSIONS : These results suggest that the web-based FitTrack Index may be considered an appropriate tool to evaluate exercise capacity and cardiovascular fitness in healthy individuals following an aerobic training programme.

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Keywords

Aerobic fitness, Exercise ability, Recreational fitness, Cardiovascular fitness, Fitness indication, VO2max

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Janse van Rensburg, DC, Grant, CC, Jansen van Rensburg, A, Botha, RPG, Wood, PS, Nolte, K, Fletcher, L, Du Toit, PJ, Pepper, MS & Kruger, PE 2016, 'The FitTrack Index as fitness indicator : a pilot study', Health SA Gesondheid, vol. 21, pp. 431.436.