Exploratory analysis of the accuracy of age-based maximal heart rate equations across cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Maximal heart rate (MHR) is a key measure for cardiorespiratory exercise prescription yet is often estimated using age-based prediction equations. The accuracy of these equations may vary by individual characteristics, including cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), but limited research has examined predictive accuracy across CRF levels. Therefore, we evaluated the accuracy of seven commonly used MHR prediction equations in adults with varying CRF to assess whether prediction error differs by fitness level.

Materials and methods

Data from 230 healthy adults (76% male, mean age 38.5 ± 12.3 years) who completed maximal graded exercise tests between 2019 and 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. Predicted MHR values were calculated using the Fox, Tanaka, Gellish, Arena, Å

SUBMITTER: Martin J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12574831 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature