The results of Marie's fitness evaluation at the first visit and after 18 months of regular exercise are summarized in the following table. It is important to recognize the significant decrease in blood pressure, weight, timed-stands test, and the 50 foot walk test, as well as the increase in VO2 max.
Blood pressure is an excellent indicator of how hard the heart is working.
It is a way to monitor the improvement in cardiovascular fitness. We can expect that with exercise, the heart will become stronger and more efficient. An increase in VO2 max is a measure of oxygen uptake during exercise. Marie's VO2 max improved drastically, from an average score to a rating of excellent. The other significant improvements in Marie's fitness over the past 12 months is reflected in her timed-stands test scores and her 50 foot walk scores.