Effects of daily activity recorded by pedometer on peak oxygen consumption (\( \dot V{\rm{O}}_2 {\rm{peak}} \)), ventilatory threshold and leg extension power in 30- to 69-year-old Japanese without exercise habit

The relationships among walk steps, exercise habits and peak oxygen consumption (\( \dot V{\rm{O}}_2 {\rm{peak}} \)), ventilatory threshold (VT) and leg extension power (LEP) were examined in 709 apparently healthy Japanese subjects (male 372, female 337) aged 30–69 years. Walk steps were evaluated using a pedometer. \( \dot V{\rm{O}}_2 {\rm{peak}} \) and VT were assessed by a cycle ergometer test, while LEP was measured with an isokinetic leg extension system (Combi, Anaero Press 3500, Japan). Subjects who participated in exercise three times or more a week demonstrated significantly greater \( \dot V{\rm{O}}_2 {\rm{peak}} \) and VT when compared with subjects without exercise habits. When a separate analysis was conducted on subjects who exercised fewer than three times per week, we found that the subgroup with the highest number of walk steps showed significantly greater VT in all male subjects and female subjects aged 30–49 years, but a significantly greater \( \dot V{\rm{O}}_2 {\rm{peak}} \) only in females aged 30–49 years, when compared to the subgroup with the fewest walk steps. These results suggest that although some people exercise less than three times a week, if they are quite active in daily life, such activities might also confer benefits upon their fitness.