查看文章

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine a generalized equation for predicting maximal heart rate (HR_max) in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND

The age-predicted HR_maxequation (i.e., 220 − age) is commonly used as a basis for prescribing exercise programs, as a criterion for achieving maximal exertion and as a clinical guide during diagnostic exercise testing. Despite its importance and widespread use, the validity of the HR_maxequation has never been established in a sample that included a sufficient number of older adults.

METHODS

First, a meta-analytic approach was used to collect group mean HR_maxvalues from 351 studies involving 492 groups and 18,712 subjects. Subsequently, the new equation was cross-validated in a well-controlled, laboratory-based study in which HR_maxwas measured in 514 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

In the meta-analysis, HR_maxwas strongly related to age (r = −0.90), using the …