 Contents |
|
 Updated: 10/11/2008 |
|
What is Body Age?
BodyAge (TM) is a software tool that helps measure and track personal fitness in the major areas of fitness including Cardiovascular, Body Composition, Flexibility, and Strength.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age vs. Body Age
Everyone has a chronological age as well as a current Body Age. A 42 year old can have a Body Ageof 64 or 24, depending on how well they have looked after themselves. For example, if a 42 year old had neglected their health and fitness and their Body Age is 64, this means they are performing at the same level as the average 64 year old. On the flip side, a person may have worked out for many years and be chronologically 86, but has maintained the physical condition of a 29 year old.
|
|
|
|
|
|
How is BodyAge calculated?
The BodyAge score can be calculated using up to 26 validated health and fitness assessments. Assessments like heart disease and stress questionnaire appraisals can be included in the System. In the Polar OwnTest System the calculation is based on a maximum of seven different assessments. These are blood pressure, body fat, aerobic fitness, upper, lower and trunk muscle strength and flexibility. A minimum four assessments are needed for the calculation. Each assessment has a ranking that is based on scientific publications. A person in the “healthy” or “average” classification for all assessments will have a BodyAge score equal to their biological age. A person “lower” in categories for any of the assessments will have years added to their BodyAge score accordingly. The same works for the person in the “good” or “excellent” categories. Years will be taken off the BodyAge score. Assessments that affect life expectancy are weighted more heavily, such as cardiovascular fitness, body fat and blood pressure. Assessments that affect quality of life rather than life expectancy are weighted slightly less, such as strength and flexibility.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| PO Box 981 Belconnen ACT 2616 Australia [office] +61 2 6161 6004 [fax] +61 2 6287 4378 [ABN: 21 098 431 460] |
|
Contact:Healthy Worksites
