New Formula For Predicating Maximal Heart Rate

Maximal heart rate (HRmax)-prediction equations based on a person's age are frequently used in prescribing exercise intensity and other clinical applications. Results from various cross-sectional studies have shown a linear decrease in HRmax during exercise with increasing age. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between age and HRmax during exercise.

A retrospective analysis of maximal graded exercise test (GXT) results for members participating in a university-based health-assessment/fitness center between 1978 and 2003 was undertaken in 2006. Records were examined from 132 individuals of both sexes who represented a broad range of age and fitness levels and who had multiple GXT conducted over 25 years. HRmax-prediction equations based on participants' age and HRmax elicited during the tests were developed using a linear mixed-models statistical analysis approach. Clinical measurements obtained during the administration of the GXT included in this longitudinal study resulted in the generation of a univariate prediction model: HRmax = 207 - 0.7 x age.

The relationship between age and HRmax during exercise developed in this longitudinal study has resulted in a prediction equation appreciably different from the conventional HRmax formula (220 - age) often used in exercise prescription, and it confirms findings from recent cross-sectional investigations of HRmax.

Gellish R, Goslin B, Olson R, McDonald A, Russi G, Moudgil V. (2007). Longitudinal modeling of the relationship between age and maximal heart rate. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise , 39(5): 822-829.