Leg Strength per Body Weight is Associated with Ventilatory Threshold in Japanese Women

Abstract

Objective: The link between leg strength per body weight and oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold (VT) was evaluated in Japanese women with a 1-year follow up.Subjects and Methods: We used data for 60 Japanese women (46.1 ± 10.6 years) with a 1-year follow up. Changes in leg strength per body weight on oxygen uptake at VT were also evaluated.Results: Oxygen uptake at VT (per body weight) was significantly correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage, leg strength and leg strength per body weight (r=0.520, p‹0.001). Body weight, BMI, abdominal circumference and body fat percentage were significantly reduced; work rate and right grip strength were significantly increased with a 1-year follow up. In addition, changes in oxygen uptake at VT (per body weight) were also significantly correlated with leg strength and leg strength per body weight (r=0.317, p=0.0137).Conclusion: An increase in leg strength per body weight may be associated with increasing oxygen uptake at VT in Japanese women.