Effects of training on women??s response to submaximal exercise

Abstract

Seven females, ages 23 to 49, participated in a 6 week program of physical training by walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 3 times a week at a constant speed (90 m/min). The training heart rate was maintained at 75 to 80% of HR max by adjusting the grade of the treadmill as necessary. Training effects were determined by responses to a standard submaximal work load (70% o2 max) and by the increase in predicted V̇o2 max following training. Oxygen uptake during the non-steady-state phase of submaximal work became significantly higher after training, although steady-state values remained unchanged. Heart rate, oxygen pulse, respiratory exchange ratio, and excess carbon dioxide production all showed significant training effects. No changes were noted in respiratory minute volume, respiration rate, ventilatory efficiency, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or body weight. Maximum aerobic capacity, predicted from the Åstrand nomogram and corrected for overestimation, increased 12% following training.