Molecular Indicators of Systematic Fitness

Molecular Indicators of Systematic Fitness

The goal of this study is to characterize associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by VO₂max/VO₂peak, and blood-based molecular measurements in adults. This is an observational study where research staff measures VO₂max/VO₂peak and collects fasted, resting blood samples on the same day. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Can a multi-analyte blood panel accurately predict directly measured VO₂max/VO₂peak?
2. How do these blood-based features vary across age, sex, and self-reported or documented physical activity profiles?
3. Are the predictor analytes able to capture changes in VO₂max/VO₂peak caused by a self-directed intervention (e.g., training for a marathon)?
4. What is the analytic reliability of the predictor biomarkers?

Prospective observational cohort with baseline cross-sectional assessment; optional longitudinal follow-up with repeat VO₂max and blood collection in a subset. No intervention is assigned by the investigators. The investigators are amassing a large dataset of diverse individuals with directly measured VO2max paired with blood samples to support robust biomarker development.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be ≥18 years old
• Be able to understand and provide informed consent (English; additional languages may be added via amendment with translated materials)
• Be willing to complete VO₂max testing, blood draw, and questionnaires.
• Be able to safely perform maximal/symptom-limited exercise testing as determined by: PAR-Q+ screening and investigator review (included as an attachment) and resting vitals screening (heart rate)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Conditions that, in the investigator's judgment, or a medical doctor, makes maximal exercise testing unsafe (e.g., unstable cardiovascular symptoms)
• Contraindications or unwillingness to undergo venipuncture
• Acute illness (fever, significant respiratory illness) at the time of testing
• Failure to comply with procedures.