Effect of Controlled Endurance Exercise Training on VO2max Changes in Older Adults

Abstract

1008 VO2max (aerobic fitness) declines progressively with aging in both men and women. While it has been documented that VO2max can be attenuated or improved in adults following exercise training, questions remain regarding volumes of endurance exercise and changes in VO2max among older individuals. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of controlled endurance training on VO2max among sedentary older adults (age ≥60 yrs) using meta-analysis. METHODS: Studies were identified by a systematic computer database search, hand searching, and cross-referencing of previously located studies. The inclusion criteria were (i) controlled clinical trials, (ii) with endurance exercise training as the only intervention, (iii) presence of a non-exercise control group, (iv) mean ages of subjects ≥60 yrs, (v) a measure of changes in VO2max (vi) studies published in English-language journals, and (vii) published between January 1980 through December 2001. RESULTS: A total of 41 studies met inclusion criteria, representing a total of 2,102 individuals in 43 control (n = 845) and 50 exercise groups (n = 1,257). Across all designs and categories, the pooled standardized effect size by a fixed-effect model showed an average effect of 0.64 ± 0.05 (mean ± SEM, 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.73). This net change in VO2max was statistically significant (p < 0.001) and represented a net increase of 3.78 ± 0.28 ml.kg−1.min−1 (mean ± SEM, 95% CI = 3.24 to 4.33). When compared to the control group, this was a 16.3% improvement. When analysis of VO2max changes was partitioned by selected variables, greater and statistically significant increase in VO2max change was observed when the training length of the studies was more than 20, 24, and 30 weeks. Greater and statistically significant increase in VO2max net changes were also noted when the training intensity was around 60% and 65% but less than 70% of VO2max. CONCLUSIONS: This metaanalytic investigation supports the efficacy of endurance exercise training in improving VO2max (aerobic fitness) in older adults. This training induced adaptation may have protective benefits for cardiovascular aging and quality of later life. A certain minimum intensity and length of aerobic exercise training may likely be needed for elderly individuals to attain greater VO2max improvement.