Although physical activity and exercise at higher levels can help fight morbidity, mortality, and some autoimmune diseases, keep in mind that CRF is different from physical activity and exercise.
CRF is the overall capacity of the respiratory and cardiovascular system to perform continuous aerobic activity over a longer period of time.
Although levels of CRF are related to the amount and intensity of physical activity to a certain degree, in large part the levels are determined by other factors. Heredity, for instance, accounts for 45-50% of the response to physical activity.
There is a connection between increasing physical activity levels to improve CRF, but only to a limited degree.
CRF later in life could possibly be a predictor of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, underlining the importance of assessing CRF levels early on in your life, even in childhood.
Ways that children have had their CRF assessed to accurately provide answers include assessing oxygen uptake and physical assessments, such as the 20-meter shuttle run (20mSRT) or the six-minute walk test.
In the end, low CRF at an early age is connected with increased risk of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis down the line and further in adulthood, so it is key to assess your CRF early in your life, or even your child’s life, sooner rather than later.
It also doesn’t hurt to get moving by adding more exercise in your daily routine, even if it is just walking. It may not have a significant effect on CRF, but every little bit of movement now helps you in the long run.