Body composition, VO2 max and O2 debt max in elite senior high school male cyclists

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the physical resources for elite male cyclists of senior high school. Nine track cyclists (mean age, 17.4 years) and seven road cyclists (mean age, 17.3 years) were examined for body composition and cardiorespiratory function (VO2 max and O2 debt max), from 1988 to 1992. These measurements were compared with those of elite junior cyclists, and the progress of physiological function due to one-year training was examined for 7 cyclists. The results were as follows: 1. The mean parameters for track cyclists were recorded: percentage body fat (%Fat): 10.3%; lean body mass (LBM): 56.5kg; VO2 max: 3.93l/min, 62.5ml/kg.min; O2 debt max: 8.81l, 139.1ml/kg. 2. The mean parameters for road cyclists were recorded: %Fat: 10.9%; LBM: 54.9kg; VO2 max: 3.78l/min, 61.4ml/kg.min; O2 debt max: 7.89l, 128.4ml/kg. 3. The average %Fat, LBM, LBM/Ht, VO2 max and O2 debt max were not significantly different between track and road cyclists. 4. The average %Fat and VO2 max (ml/kg.min) of track and road cyclists were similar to those of elite junior cyclists. 5. By training for one year, the average VO2 max (ml/kg.min) and O2 debt max (ml/kg) showed a significant increase of approximately 13.6% and 22.6% respectively. These results indicated that through training 9 track and 7 road cyclists had achieved a superior body composition, aerobic work capacity and anaerobic work capacity, equal to those of elite junior cyclists.