Polar BodyAge Operating Instructions
Polar BodyAge System
Table of Contents
About the Polar BodyAge System ............................................................................................... 1
About the BodyAge Score........................................................................................................ 1
The Polar BodyAge in the Unites States..................................................................................1
The Polar BodyAge System in Europe..................................................................................... 1
Polar BodyAge System Declaration of Conformity................................................................... 3
Technical References............................................................................................................... 3
Setting up the Polar BodyAge System....................................................................................... 13
Requirements and Recommendations................................................................................... 13
Unpacking the Polar BodyAge System.................................................................................. 14
Packing List............................................................................................................................ 14
Compatible Hardware............................................................................................................. 15
Assembling the Polar BodyAge System................................................................................. 18
Transporting the polar BodyAge System ...............................................................................23
Preparations............................................................................................................................... 24
Recommendations for Operating Staff................................................................................... 24
Turning on The Polar BodyAge System Power...................................................................... 24
Setting up the Software settings............................................................................................. 25
Calibrating On-line Peripherals..............................................................................................26
Shutting Down the Polar BodyAge System............................................................................ 27
Client Management....................................................................................................................28
Adding a New Client...............................................................................................................28
Main Screen View - Client Information...................................................................................32
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Polar BodyAge System
Notes...................................................................................................................................... 33
Alerts ...................................................................................................................................... 33
Client Information...................................................................................................................35
Searching for a Client.............................................................................................................38
Deleting a Client..................................................................................................................... 39
Testing .......................................................................................................................................40
Pre-Test recommendations.................................................................................................... 40
General Guidelines for the Client........................................................................................... 41
Main Screen View - Testing ...................................................................................................41
Test Protocols......................................................................................................................... 42
Adding, Editing or deleting a test protocol.............................................................................. 43
Fitness Assessments .............................................................................................................47
Health Risk Appraisals........................................................................................................... 50
Testing with Autopilot.............................................................................................................52
Testing Manually.................................................................................................................... 53
Programs.................................................................................................................................... 54
Creating a New Program........................................................................................................ 54
Cardiovascular Program......................................................................................................... 55
Strength Training Program..................................................................................................... 56
Training progress ................................................................................................................... 60
Other Programs...................................................................................................................... 62
Energy Balance...................................................................................................................... 63
Reports....................................................................................................................................... 67
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Graphical Summary................................................................................................................ 67
Summary Report.................................................................................................................... 68
Personal Profile...................................................................................................................... 69
Customizing Report Cover Page............................................................................................ 72
Group Reports........................................................................................................................ 73
Batch Report........................................................................................................................... 75
Support for the Polar BodyAge System..................................................................................... 78
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 78
Limited Polar International Warranty for Polar bodyage System........................................... 81
License Agreement ................................................................................................................ 82
Limited Warranty (software)................................................................................................... 83
Security...................................................................................................................................... 84
User Roles and Profiles.......................................................................................................... 84
Database Management.............................................................................................................. 85
Backup.................................................................................................................................... 85
Restore................................................................................................................................... 86
More........................................................................................................................................... 87
1-RM Bench Press................................................................................................................. 87
1-RM Leg Press ..................................................................................................................... 88
3-Site Skinfold ........................................................................................................................ 89
5 Zone Program ..................................................................................................................... 91
60 sec. Sit-Ups....................................................................................................................... 93
7-Site Skinfold ........................................................................................................................ 95
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Polar BodyAge System
About Cardiovascular Fitness ................................................................................................ 98
About the Polar Keeps U Fit Cardiovascular Program........................................................... 98
About the Polar windlink....................................................................................................... 100
Assembling the Polar BodyAge System............................................................................... 101
Bicep Strength...................................................................................................................... 106
Bioimpedance....................................................................................................................... 108
Blood Chemistries................................................................................................................ 111
Blood pressure..................................................................................................................... 113
Body Composition Settings.................................................................................................. 115
Body Mass Index (BMI)........................................................................................................ 116
Calibrating the Load Platform............................................................................................... 117
Calibrating On-line Peripherals............................................................................................ 120
Calibrating the Range of Motion........................................................................................... 120
Calibrating the Skinfold Calibers.......................................................................................... 123
Cardio 5 Zone settings......................................................................................................... 125
Cardiovascular Settings ....................................................................................................... 126
Cooper 12 Minutes Run/Walk.............................................................................................. 127
Crunch.................................................................................................................................. 127
Cycle Ergometer................................................................................................................... 129
Define Form Letters.............................................................................................................. 134
Direct Value Body fat percent............................................................................................... 137
Direct Value VO
............................................................................................................. 138
2MAX
Downloading Files................................................................................................................ 139
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Table of Contents
Edit Additional Information ................................................................................................... 142
Email settings....................................................................................................................... 144
General Settings................................................................................................................... 145
Girth......................................................................................................................................146
Guidelines for Cardiovascular Testing................................................................................. 147
Heart Disease Risk Factors.................................................................................................. 148
Height/Weight....................................................................................................................... 149
Import/Export........................................................................................................................ 150
Importance of Body Composition......................................................................................... 158
Major Symptoms or Signs of Heart Disease........................................................................ 159
Max Push Up........................................................................................................................ 159
Medical History..................................................................................................................... 161
One Mile Walk...................................................................................................................... 163
Other Programs settings ...................................................................................................... 163
OwnIndex ............................................................................................................................. 164
OwnZone.............................................................................................................................. 166
PAR-Q.................................................................................................................................. 170
Polar Energy Pointer Program ............................................................................................. 172
Polar Keeps U Fit Program .................................................................................................. 173
Polar STAR Training Program.............................................................................................. 176
Query Builder........................................................................................................................ 179
Sit and Reach....................................................................................................................... 180
Treadmill............................................................................................................................... 182
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Wall Sit ................................................................................................................................. 188
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POLAR BODYAGE SYSTEM SW HELP
About the Polar BodyAge System
About the BodyAge Score
The BodyAge score is an integral part of the Polar BodyAge® System and software developed by
Polar. The instruments used to calculate the BodyAge score are validated and published in t heir
respective fields and are listed on the following pages. All normative and percentile ranking
references are listed in the technical references. BodyAge simplifies fitness test results into one
number that the non-professional can understand. Using BodyAge has been shown to increase
motivation levels of clients and increase exercise compliance.
Calculation of BodyAge
The BodyAge calculation is based on a population of 6,469 apparently healthy 18-79 year-old
men and women. Low levels of cardiovascular fitness and elevated blood pressure levels have
been shown to increase the risk of premature death; therefore, they are weighted more heavil y in
the calculation. This results in more years being added or taken away from the BodyAge score
depending on each test result. Assessments that affect quality of life rather than longevity, such
as flexibility and strength, are weighted slightly less. A minimum of four assessments must be
taken in order to calculate BodyAge. Two of the four assessments must be strength, flexibility,
cardiovascular or body composition assessments. The other two can be any of the other
assessments: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL, body
composition, cardiovascular, flexibility or strength.
The Polar BodyAge in the Unites States
Since its introduction in 2001, Polar BodyAge® System has been implemented and adopted by
over 900 health and fitness centers, major universities and corporations in the United States. A
partial list of customers include: United Parcel Service (UPS), United States Air Force,
Department of Education, Department of Defense, PGA West, Ford Motor Company, Gold’s
Gym, Wal-Mart, US Marines, Boeing International, YMCA, Lifetime Fitness, Pepperdine
University and Florida State University.
The Polar BodyAge System in Europe
The Polar BodyAge® System was released in Germany under the name Polar OwnTestTM System
in 2004. Before that time a pilot study was done by a German based research organization, LINK
Institute, to evaluate the effectiveness of the system in the European market. An overview of the
study design, results and conclusions are listed below.
Target and Study Design
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Polar BodyAge System
• The target of the study was to evaluate the use and feasibility of the BodyAge system as well as
validity of measurements by collecting the feedback from clients of the pilot clubs.
• The pilot was carried out in three fitness clubs in Germany.
• Each club provided a BodyAge system pilot test battery and feedback for a minimum of 50
typical club members with a pre-test and post-test, minimum five weeks between tests.
• After taking part in the assessment, each participant received a questionnaire (Q1) and after the
retest they received a second questionnaire (Q2).
• The instructors received a questionnaire at the end of the pilot (T).
Test Battery of Pilot Project
• PAR-Q
• Medical Questionnaire
• Weight and Height for BMI
• Body Composition (skinfold or bioimpedance)
• Polar OwnIndex
• Polar OwnZone
®
for V0
®
2MAX
• Crunch Test
• Biceps Strength Test
• Wall Sit Test
• Sit and Reach Test
Results: Club Members
• 90% of club members believe that the BodyAge assessment is important.
• 80% of members believe going through the BodyAge system is rather easy (not difficult).
• 76% of the club members think the reports are very useful (6 on a 6 point scale) and 86%
believe it is well presented.
• 81% of the members felt that the BodyAge Score was motivation for further training.
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
• In 7 out of the 8 tests, all the people on average improved their results from the first test to the
second test. This supports the results that the members felt that the BodyAge system and
BodyAge Score motivate for further exercise training.
Results: Instructors
• The instructors judge the importance of the BodyAge system as high and the difficulty as low.
• The reports are judged as useful and no additional materials are needed in the reports.
• On average the instructors suggest they need 41 minutes to conduct the test.
• The instructors agree with the club members that the BodyAge is a very meaningful parameter.
• The instructors feel a high increase of quality of work, a high support in motivating clients and a
high support in communicating heart rate controlled training.
Polar BodyAge System Declaration of Conformity
The Polar BodyAge® System (AKA Model TriFIT 700) is tested under the EU Medical Device
Directive –93/42/ECC. A Class 1 Electrical Medical Device Type BF Protection. Testing
standards used are the EN 60601 – Safety of Electrical Medical Equipment. The Polar
BodyAge® System (AKA Model TriFIT 700) bears the CE MARK as verified by investigation by
the EU Notified Body, TUV Rheinland.
The Polar BodyAge
2002/95/EC and WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC mandatory as of July 1st, 2006.
®
System (AKA Model TriFIT 700) Product complies with the RoHS Directive
Technical References
Biometrics
PAR-Q
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (revised 1994)
Height / Weight and BMI Adults
American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.
7th Edition (2006)
Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, Treatment of Overweight and Obesity
in Adults: Evidence Report developed by the NHLBI Expert Panel (1998)
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Polar BodyAge System
National Center for Health Statistics in collaboration with the National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, May 30, 2000.
http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts.
Blood Pressure
Practice Guidelines for Primary Care Physicians: 2003 European Society of
Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology, Journal of Hypertension 2003; 21: 10111053
Seventh Report on the Joint Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High
Blood Pressure (JNCB), Hypertension. 2003 Dec;42(6):1206-52
McArdle, William D., Frank I. Katch, and Victor L. Katch, Exercise Physiology: Energy,
Nutrition, And Human Performance, Malvern, PA: Lea & Febiger publisher, 1991
Polar measures blood pressure on the right arm based on the following references. Reasons to
use the right arm include the remote possibility that the genetic anomaly of coarctation (abnormal
narrowing) between the aorta and subclavian artery will cause an elevated blood pressure. If the
pressure in the right arm is normal, it is likely to be normal everywhere.
1. Burch, G.E. (1976). Consultations in Hypertension: A Clinical Synposium. Rochester,
NY: Pennwalt Prescription Products.
2. Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children. (1977). Report of the Task Force on
Blood Pressure Control in Children. Pediactrics 59 (Suppl.), 797-820.
Cholesterol (Total, LDL,HDL,LDL/HDL Ratio)
Executive summary of the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)
Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult
Treatment Panel III). JAMA 2001; 285:2486-97.
Ratio Reference
Cooper, Kenneth H. Controlling Cholesterol. The Cooper Institute, 1985, pg 65.
Glucose Norms
American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 7th
Edition, pg. 47 (2006)
Girth Measurements (Waist to Hip Ratio)
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 7th
Edition, pg. 58 (2006)
Body Composition
Body Composition Norms (3-Site and 7-Site Adult Skinfold Protocols)
Hoeger & Hoeger (1991). Principles and Labs for Physical Fitness and Wellness, p. 90. ** we
changed the classifications from Excellent/Good/Moderate/Overweight/Obese to
Low/Optimal/Moderate/High/Very High.
Adding 1.9% for black males and 1% for black females reference: Lohman and Heyward, (1989),
Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription, page 148.
Body Composition Percentile Rankings (3-Site and 7-Site Skinfold Protocols)
American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 7th
Edition, (2006)
Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, Dallas TX (1994).
Skinfold Site Descriptions
American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 7th
Edition, (2006)
3-Site Equation - Men and Women
Jackson, A.S., Pollock, M.L. (1980). Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 12, 175-18.
Generalized Equation for Predicting Body Density of Women.
Jackson, A.S., Pollock, M.L. & Ward, A. (1980). Generalized Equation for Predicting Body
Density of Women. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 12, 175-18.
7-site Equation – Men and Women
Jackson, A.S., Pollock, M.L.: Practical Assessment of Body Composition. Physician Sport
Medicine 1:76-90, 1985.
Generalized Equation for Predicting Body Density of Men
Jackson, A.S., Pollock, M.L. (1978). Generalized Equation for Predicting Body Density of Men.
British Journal of Nutrition, 40, 497-504.
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Polar BodyAge System
Conversions of Body Density to Body Fat
Lohman and Heyward, (1989) Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription, page
148. Ages 7 to 50+ Years of Age using a multicomponent model that takes into account Age,
Gender, Fat Free Body density (changed based on differences in body water & bone mineral in
different age groups).
BioImpedence guidelines and information
Tanita Body Composition Analyzer BF-350 Instruction Manual and Techincal Notes
Impedance Equations (for Manual Entry)
Lohman, T.G. (1989, Feb.) Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Seminar presented to Departm ent
of Exercise Science, University of Arizona, Tucson.
Lukask, H.C., Johnson, P.E., Bolonchuck, W.W., & Lyken , G.I. (1985). Assessment of Fat Free
Mass using Bioelectrical Impedance Measurements of the Human Body. American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition, 41, 810-917.
Circumference Protocols
Tran, Z.V., & Weltman, A. (1989). Generalized Equation for Predicting Body Density of Women
from Girth Measurements. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 21, 101-104.
Behnke, A.R., & Wilmore, J.H. (1974). Evaluation and Regulation of Body Build and
Composition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Low Body Fat
Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, And Human Performance, Philadelphi a, PA: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins, 2001
Cardiovascular
Polar OwnIndex®
Jackson, Blair, Mahar, Ross and Stuteville. Prediction of functional aerobic capacity without
exercise testing. Med Sci Sports Exerc 22, 6, 863-870, 1990.
Väinämö, Tulppo, Mäkikallio, Röning. An artificial neural network for human aerobic fitness
approximation. Proceeding of the International Neural Network ICNN, Washington DC, June 3-6,
1996, pp. 1939-1949.
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Laukkanen, Kinnunen, Kiuru. Polar Fitness Test-a new era in Cardiovascular Fitness Testing.
Polar Electro Oy, Finland
OwnZone®
American College of Sports Medicine. Position Stand: The recommended quantity and quality of
exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in
healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 30(6), 975-991, 1998.
Byrne N, Hills A, Ramage A, Laukkanen R. Use of heart rate variability (HRV) in prescribing
exercise intensity threshold in the obese. Int J Obes 23(5):567, 1999.
Huikuri H, Seppänen T, Koistinen J, Airaksinen J, Ikäheimo M, Castellanos A, Myerberg R.
Abnormalities in beat-to-beat dynamics of heart rate before the spontaneous onset of lifethreatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with prior myocardial infarction. Circulation
93, 1836-1844, 1996.
Kinnunen H, Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Hyyppä O, Nissilä S, Laukkanen R. Reproducibility of
individual training heart rate determined by Polar SmartEdge heart rate monitor. Proceedings of
the International Puijo Symposium, Kuopio, Finland, p. 63, 1998.
Laukkanen R, Maijanen S, Tulppo M. Determination of heart rates for training using Polar
SmartEdge heart rate monitor. Med Sci Sports Exerc 30(5), 1430, 1998.
Mäkikallio T, Tulppo M, Karppinen T, Huikuri H. Nonlinear complexity of heart rate dynamics after
a resting period followed by endurance training. ACSM Annual Meeting 1996. Med Sci Sports
Exerc 28(5), 745, 1996.
Thompson R, Wilkinson J, Laukkanen R, Seppänen T. The relationship of short-term measures of
hrv to heart rate and exercise intensity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29(5), 795, 1997.
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Airaksinen J, Huikuri H. Nonlinear dynamics of heart rate during
accentuated sympatho-vagal interaction. Circulation 94(8), nr. 2518, 1996a.
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Takala T, Seppänen T, Huikuri H. Quantitative beat-to-beat analysis of
heart rate dynamics during exercise. Am J Physiol 271, H244-252, 1996b.
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Seppänen T, Thomson R, Wilkinson J, Blair S, Laukkanen R, Huikuri H.
Non-linear dynamics of heart rate variability during exercise. ACSM Annual Meeting 1996. Med
Sci Sports Exerc 28(5), 142, 1996c.
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Seppänen T, Laukkanen R, Huikuri H. Vagal modulation of heart rate
during exercise: effects of age and physical fitness. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29(5), nr. 814, 1997 a.
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Polar BodyAge System
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Seppänen T, Laukkanen R, Huikuri H. Vagal modulation of heart rate
during exercise: effect of age and physical fitness. Eur Heart J 18, p. 114, 1997b.
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Seppänen T, Laukkanen R, Huikuri H. Vagal modulation of heart rate
during exercise: effects of age and physical fitness. Am J Physiol 274 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 43),
H424-H429, 1998a.
Tulppo M. Heart rate dynamics during physical exercise and during pharmacological modulation
of autonomic tone. Doctoral Dissertation. Acta Universitatis Ouluensis D 503, Oulu, Finland,
1998b.
Tulppo M, Mäkikallio T, Laukkanen R, Huikuri H. Differences in autonomic modulation of heart
rate during arm and leg exercise. Clin Physiol 19(4), 294-299, 1999.
Wilkinson J, Thompson R, Garcia M, Kampert J, Laukkanen R, Seppänen T. The relationship of
Poincaré Plot analysis to exercise intensity. The International Pre-Olympic Scientific Congress,
July 1996, Dallas, Texas, USA. Abstracts. p. 115-116. 1996a.
Wilkinson J, Thompson R, Garcia M, Kampert J, Laukkanen R, Seppänen T. The response of
heart rate variability during graded treadmill exercise. Circulation 94(8), nr. 1465, 1996b.
Wilkinson J, Thompson R, Garcia M, Kampert J, Laukkanen R, Seppänen T. The relationship of
heart rate variability to work intensity during graded maximal treadmill exercise. International 14th
Puijo Symposium, June 1996, Finland. Proceedings. Kuopio University publications D. Medical
Sciences 101, p. 64, 1996c.
Wilkinson J, Thompson R, Seppänen T, Laukkanen R. Heart rate variability and cardiorespira t ory
fitness. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29(Suppl 5), 850, 1997.
Virtanen P, Vasankari T, Vuorimaa T, Laukkanen R. Evaluation of the Polar OwnZone feature in
physically highly active men and women. Proc 5th Annual Congress of ECSS, Jyväskylä, Finland,
19-23 July 2000.
Virtanen P, Vasankari T, Vuorimaa T, Laukkanen R. HRV plateau in exercise intensity
determination in endurance athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33(5), nr 611, 2001.
PAR Questionnaire (used to determine Watts used in protocol) Jackson AS, Blair SN, Mahar MT,
Wier LT, Ross RM, Stuteville JE. Prediction of functional aerobic capacity without exercise
testing. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22(6): 863-870.
WHO Bike Ergometer VO2MAX Estimation
Lange Andersen, K., Shephard, R.J., Denolin, H., E. Varnauskas, and R. Masironi.
Fundamentals of exercise testing. Geneva: WHO,1971
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Basis for Fitness Testing (Kuntotestauksen perusteet), Liite ry, Helsinki, Finland, 1998.
Shvartz E, Reibold RC: Aerobic fitness norms for males and females aged 6 to 75 years: a
review. Aviat Space Environ Med; 61:3-11, 1990.
PAR Questionnaire (used to determine Watts used in protocol) Jackson AS, Blair SN, Mahar MT,
Wier LT, Ross RM, Stuteville JE. Prediction of functional aerobic capacity without exercise
testing. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22(6): 863-870.
Adult VO2max Norms/Classifications
Shvartz E, Reibold RC: Aerobic fitness norms for males and females aged 6 to 75 years: a
review. Aviat Space Environ Med; 61:3-11, 1990.
Adult VO2mac Percentile Rankings
The Physical Fitness Specialist Certification Manual, The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research,
Dallas, TX, revised 1997.
YMCA Bike Ergometer
Golding, L.A., Myers, C.R., and Sinning, W.E. (1989). Y’s Way to Physical Fitness (p.91).
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publisher.
Pollock Bike Ergometer
Pollock, M.L., Wilmore, J.H., & Fox, S.M., III. (1978). Health and Fitness Through Physical
Activity. (p.304). New York: Wiley.
Bruce Treadmill Protocol and Modified Bruce Treadmill Protocol
Bruce, R.A., Kusumi, F., & Hosmer, D. (1973). Maximal Oxygen Intake and Nomographic
Assessment of Functional Aerobic Impairment in Cardiovascular Disease. American Heart
Journal, 85, 546-562.
Rockport One Mile Walk
Rockport Walking Institution, (1986) Kline et al. 1987, McSwegin et al. 1998
Cooper 12minute Run
Cooper, 1968
Three Minute Step Test
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Polar BodyAge System
Golding, L.A. (2000). YMCA Fitness testing and Assessment Manual. Chanmpaign, IL: Human
Kinetics Publsiher
Strength
Biceps Strength Test
Badger, D.W. (1988). Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting. National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, 81-122
Chaffin, D.B., Herren, G.D., Keysterling, W.M. Pre-employment Strength Testing – An Updated
Position. Journal of Occupational Medicine, Vol. 20, No. 6, June 1978.
Gallagher, S., Moore, J.S., Stobbe, T.J., Physical Strength Assessment in Ergonomics. American
Industrial Hygiene Association, 1998.
Hand Grip Protocol
Devries, H.A. (1980) Physiology of Exercise for Physical Education and Athletes. WCB, Dubuque,
Iowa Promotion.
Adams, G.M. (1980) Exercise Physiology Lab Manual, WCB, Dubuque, Iowa.
Hand Grip Norms
Corbin, C.B., Dowell, L.J., Lindsey, R., Tolsen, H. (1978). Concepts in Physical Education, WCB,
Dubuque, Iowa
60 Second Crunch Test
Golding, Lawrence A. (2000). YMCA Fitness Testing and Assessment Manual (Fourth Edition).
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.
Jette, M., Sidney, K., & Cicutti, N. (1984). A critical analysis of sit-ups: A case for the partial curlup as a test of abdominal muscular endurance. Canadian Association for Health, Physical
Education & Recreation, 51(1), 4-9.
Diener, M.H., Golding, L.A., Diener, D., Validity and Reliability of a One-Minute Half Sit-up Test of
Abdominal Strength and Endurance. Sports Med., Training and Rehab., Vol. 6, pp.105-119, 1995.
90˚ Wall Sit test
Griffiths, P., Hughes, G.I., and Moffett, J.A.K. (1993). A Longitudinal Study of Low Back Pain in
Student Nurses. Int. J. Nurs. Stud., Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 197-212.
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Calisthenics Norms
Pollock, M.L., Wilmore, J.H., & Fox, S.M., III, (1978). Health and Fitness Through Physical
Activity (p. 109 & 110). New York: Wiley.
1-RM Protocol and Norms
The Cooper Institute for Aerobics research: The Physical Fitness Specialist Certification Manual.
Dallas, TX (revised 1997).
Flexibility
Modified Sit & Reach
Wear, C.L. (1963) The Relationship of Flexibility Measures to Length of Body Segments. Res
Quarterly, 34, 234-238.
Flexibility Norms (all protocols)
Hoeger, W.W.K. (1989). Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness (p.84). Englewood, CO:
Morton.
Lemmink, K., Kemper, H., deGreef, M. Rispens, P., Stevens, M. The Validity of the Sit and Reach
Test and the Modified Sit and Reach Test in Middle-Aged to Older Men and Women. Research
quarterly for Exercise and Sport. Vol. 74, No. 3, PP. 331-336 (2003)
Supporting References for the BodyAge
TM
Calculation
van den Hoogen PC, Feskens EJ, Nagelkerke NJ, Menotti A, Nissinen A, Kromhout D. The
relation between blood pressure and mortality due to coronary heart disease among men in
different parts of the world: Seven Countries Study Research Group. N Engl J Med. 2000;342:1–
8.
MacMahon S. Blood pressure and the risk for cardiovascular disease. N Engl J Med.
2000;342:50–52.
Izzo JL Jr, Levy D, Black HR. Clinical advisory statement: importance of systolic blood pressure
in older Americans. Hypertension. 2000;35:1021–1024.
Franklin SS, Gustin W 4th, Wong ND, Larson MG, Weber MA, Kannel WB, Levy D.
Hemodynamic patterns of age-related changes in blood pressure: the Framingham Heart Study.
Circulation. 1997;96:308–315.
Bilato C, Crow MT. Atherosclerosis and vascular biology of aging. Aging. 1996;8:221–234.
11
Polar BodyAge System
Benetos A, Rudnichi A, Safar M, Guize L. Pulse pressure and cardiovascular mortality in
normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Hypertension. 1998;32:560–556.
Lee IM; Hsieh CC; Paffenbarger RS. Exercise intensity and longevity in men. JAMA 1995 Apr
19;273(15) :1179-84.
Lissner L, et al. Physical activity levels and changes in relation to longevity. A prospective study
of Swedish women. Am J Epidemiol 1996 Jan 1:143(1) :54-62. Sherman SE, et al. Does exercise
reduce mortality rates in the elderly? Experience from the Framingham Heart Study. Am Heart J
1994 Nov:128(5) :965-72. Sherman SE, et al. Physical activity and mortality in women in the
Framingham Heart Study. Am Heart J 1994 Nov:128(5) :879-84.
Paffenbarger RS, et al. The association of changes in physical-activity level and other lifestyle
characteristics with mortality among men. N Engl J Med 1993 Feb 25;328(8) :538-45.
Thompson WG. Exercise and health: fact or hype? South Med J 1994 May;87(5) :567-74.
Weyerer S, et al. Physical exercise and psychological health. Sports Med 1994 Feb:17(2) :108-
16.
Pate R, et al. Physical activity and public health. JAMA Feb. 1, 1995 pp. 402- 407.
Fiatarone MA, et al. Exercise training and nutritional supplementation for physical frailty in very
elderly people. N Eng J Med 1994 Jun 23;330(25) :1769-75.
Health Risk Appraisals
Heart Disease
American Heart Association, RISKO A Heart Health Appraisal, 1994.
Depression
Beck, Aaron T., Steer, Robert A., Beck Depression Inventory, The Psychological Corporation,
1993.
Nutrition
USDA & USDHHS Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans, 1990.
The Surgeon General’s Report on Nutrition and Health; USDHHS, PHS, Washington, D.C., 1988
Diet and Health Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk; National Research Council;
National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 1989
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Prevention and Safety
Vital Statistics of the United States, 1988
American Medical Association (AMA) Family Medical Guide, Random House, Inc. revised edition,
1987
Diabetes
American Diabetes Association, Sound the Alert!, 1995
Stress
Spielberger, Charles D., State – Trait anxiety Inventory. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.
1984
Cancer
American Cancer Society, Cancer: Assessing Your Risk, 1993.
Setting up the Polar BodyAge System
Requirements and Recommendations
The Polar BodyAge® System is designed to gather, process, interpret and display fitness and
wellness data. The Polar BodyAge
These items are necessary to operate the Polar BodyAge
• 220 Volt Power outlet highly recommended to be a dedicated line. A dedicated line is
where only one circuit is servicing the outlet. (European)
• 110 volt power outlet highly recommended to be a dedicated line. A dedicated line is
where only one circuit is servicing the outlet. (U.S.)
These items are recommended:
• Private/quiet environment for fitness testing
• Cool temperature (72°F, 22°C), moderate humidity and good air circulation (fan
recommended for bike & treadmill testing).
®
System is designed to be used by exercise professionals.
®
System:
• Telephone with outside line for emergency access and technical support.
13
Polar BodyAge System
• Flat, firm surface for the platform/scale.
Unpacking the Polar BodyAge System
Once the system is out of the shipping container and on the floor:
• Remove all packing materials
• Move the scale and any boxes off of the cart
• Mount the monitor onto the main post, being careful not to pinch any of the cables (see photo)
Packing List
The following is a list of all the items included with your system. These are standard items
included with every system. You may have other items as part of your individual order.
1. Polar heart rate transmitter and elastic strap
2. Strength handle and strength strap assembly
3. On-line Skyndex Skinfold calipers w/calibration dowel
4. Flat Panel LCD monitor w/speakers
4. Computer
5. Keyboard
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
6. Mouse
7. Printer
8. Power cord attached for the cart power
9. BodyAge System computer installed in the cart (if ordered)
10. BodyAge System cart with integrated range of motion (ROM) unit
11. WindLink
TM
Heart rate receiver
12. Platform/scale
13. 2 Allen wrenches for assembly/repair.
14. Polar BodyAge®
System software
15. Blood Pressure included with 3 cuffs.
16. Polar FlowLink
Compatible Hardware
• Tanita BF-350 Bioimpedance Unit
• Tanita BC-418 Bioimpedence Unit (European)
• Monark Bike
• Magnum Bike and Trackmaster Treadmill
• Ergofit Ergometers: cycle 3000 med (series), recumbent 3000 med (series), and circle
3000 med (series). (European)
Tanita Bioimpedance Unit
The Tanita Bioimpedance unit interfaces with the Polar BodyAge® System to obtain body fat %
and total body water.
Tanita BF-350
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Polar BodyAge System
Tanita BC-418
Contact your Polar dealer for more information on where to purchase the Tanita BF-350 or BC-
418.
Monark Bike
If a Monark 828E was purchased with your system, you will receive a bike interface split cable.
This cable plugs into the interface unit where it is labeled with the heart and pedals icon.
Position the split end that holds the Polar receiver per the set up instructions included with the
cable. Refer to the instruction manual that came with the Monark 828 for assembly instructions.
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Magnum Bike & Trackmaster Treadmill (U.S.)
If a Magnum Upright bike was purchased with your system, you will receive a serial cable that
plugs into the back of the computer. Go to Test Environment > Cardiovascular Settings and
select Magnum and the correct serial port. For more information, see
The same steps apply for the TrackMaster Treadmill.
Cardiovascular Settings.
ErgoFit Ergometer
Contact your Polar dealer for more information on where to purchase the ErgoFit Ergometers.
The Polar BodyAge® System is compatible with ErgoFit cycle 3000 med (series), ErgoFit
recumbent 3000 med (series), and ErgoFit circle 3000 med (series).
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Polar BodyAge System
Assembling the Polar BodyAge System
Interface Connections
Noting that the interface box is secured to the top of the computer with a velcro strip, connect the
following peripherals to the box:
Skinfold
Calipers
Platform
Heart Rate
Cable/RPM
cable
interface
ROM
(Range of
Motion)
Unit
Printer
Plug the power into the printer.
Main Unit Power
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Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Using the main power cable, plug the system into a wall outlet. Power is applied to the system
via the power entry module located on the left rear of the cart.
1. Plug power
cable into a wall
outlet.
2. Always use
the system main
power switch to
turn the entire
system on and
off. On is “|”
and off is “o”.
Power Entry Module Information
The power entry module is a switchable power supply between 110v (USA and Canada) and
230v (European). The unit is shipped from the factory with the 230v selected.
Fuse Types:
For the 110Volt (USA and Canada), the fuses are ¼ x 1 ¼” 250Volt, 2 Amps, Slow Blow Fuses.
For the 230Volt (European), the fuses are 5mm x 20mm, 250Volt, 3.0-3.5 Amp Slow Blow Fuses.
Replacing the Fuses:
19
Polar BodyAge System
• To replace the fuses, make sure the power
is unplugged and completely disconnected
from the power.
• Next, using a small flathead screwdriver,
pry the cover open on the far right side.
• Carefully pry the fuses out and insert the
new fuses.
• Close the cover, insert the power cord and
turn the power switch on “|”.
Platform/Scale
• Screw in the eyebolt on
the scale strap assembly
into the top of the
platform. Make sure it is
tightened all the way.
• Attach the “C” connector
on the strength strap
assembly to the strength
handle. Make sure it is
tightened all the way.
• Check the strap for any
wear or defects before
each use, as this can
cause injury to the client
being tested on the
biceps strength test.
Ergofit Ergometer
The ErgoFit bike needs to be connected to the Polar BodyAge® System with a null modem cable.
This cable plugs into the back bottom of the ErgoFit ergometer. Plug the other end of the serial
cable into an available serial port in the back of the CPU.
Note: The serial cable is a 9-pin null-modem Cable. You must use a null-modem cable or a nullmodel adaptor for the Ergofit Ergometer to function properly with the Polar BodyAge® System.
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1. Power cable for
the Ergofit.
2. Plug the null
modem serial
cable into the
Ergofit serial plug.
Polar BodyAge System SW Help
Tanita BF-350 or BC-418
The Tanita BF-350 or BC-418 is a unit for measuring bioimpedance using the Polar BodyAge®
System. It interfaces to the system with a serial cable.
Note: The serial cable is a 9-pin null-modem cable. You must use a null-modem cable or a nullmodel adaptor for the Tanita BF-350 to function properly with the system.
Plug the
power
cord
into a
220v
power
outlet.
Plug the
serial
cable
into the
Tanita
BF-350
or BC418 as
21
Polar BodyAge System
shown
here.
Plug the
other
end of
the
serial
cable
into
Device
Port 1
or
Device
Port 2
on the
TF700iu
box.
Polar Sonic Interface
TM
The optional Polar Sonic InterfaceTM uses the speaker and microphone ports on your PC to send
and receive information to Polar training computers (F11, F6, F4 and all Polar UpLink enabled
computers).
Installation Instructions
Plug the GREEN Polar Sonic
Interface cable into the Speaker
port on the computer.
Alternately, This can be plugged
into a headphone jack on the
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