Estimated Standard Values of Aerobic Capacity According to Sex and Age in a Japanese Population: A Scoping Review

Abstract Background Aerobic capacity, which strongly determines health status, is the ability to sustain whole-body physical activity as fast and as long as possible. This study integrated previously reported data on the aerobic capacity (peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak]/kg and anaerobic threshold [AT]/kg) of Japanese individuals. Additionally, we estimated the standard values of aerobic capacity according to sex and age in the Japanese population and compared them with those of the other countries’ populations. Methods We conducted a systematic review of original articles on aerobic capacity in Japan and an umbrella review of review articles on aerobic capacity in other countries. PubMed, Ichushi-Web, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. Two researchers independently reviewed and determined the included articles. The VO2peak/kg and AT/kg values by sex and age for Japan and other countries were extracted. Mean values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a meta-analysis. Results Twenty-three original articles and seven reviews from Japan and other countries, respectively, were included. Estimated standard values of VO2peak/kg (mL/kg/min) for Japanese men were: 47.6, 51.2, 43.2, 37.2, 34.5, 31.7, 28.6, and 26.3 (4–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70–79 years). In women, they were 42.0, 43.2, 33.6, 30.6, 27.4, 25.6, 23.4, 23.1 (4–9 to 70–79 years). Estimated standard values of AT/kg (mL/kg/min) for Japanese men were 21.1, 18.3, 16.8, 15.9, 15.8, and 15.2 (20–29 to 70–79 years). In women, they were 17.4, 17.0, 15.7, 15.0, 14.5, 14.2 (20–29 to 70–79 years). In Japanese individuals, VO2peak/kg (men: -7.0% per decade; women: -6.5% per decade) and AT/kg (men: -5.3% per decade; women: -4.1% per decade) declined after the age of 20 years. VO2peak/kg (men: -6.6%; women: -5.4%) and AT/kg (men: -19.5%; women: -11.8%) of individuals were lower in Japan than in other countries. Conclusion Herein, we present the estimated standard values of aerobic capacity according to sex and age in a Japanese population. The aerobic capacity declined after the age of 20 years and was lower in Japan than in other countries. The estimated standard values may be useful for establishing a reference value of the aerobic capacity for health promotion.