GREATER DECLINE IN MAXIMAL AEROBIC CAPACITY WITH AGE IN ENDURANCE-TRAINED VS.SEDENTARY MEN

Abstract

PURPOSE: The concept has been promoted that regularlyperformedvigorous exercise may attenuate the loss of maximal aerobiccapacity (VO2max) with advancing age. In contrast to this view, werecentlyreported that the absolute rate of decline in VO2max with age isgreater in endurance-trained compared with sedentaryhealthy women. METHODS: We tested this hypothesis inmen under well-controlled laboratory conditions. A total of 122healthy, non-obese men ages 20–75 years (68 sedentary and 54endurance-trained) were studied during treadmill exercise. RESULTS: In both groups, respiratoryexchange ratioand rating of perceived exertion at VO2max were not differentacross age. VO2max was strongly inversely related to age in bothendurance-trained (r = −0.86) and sedentary (r = −0.70) men. At anyage, VO2max was higher in the endurance-trained compared with thesedentary men. When expressed in absolute terms (ml/kg/min/decade), the rate of decline in VO2max with age was greater inendurance-trained (−5.7 ml/kg/min/decade) compared with sedentary (−3.3 ml/kg/min/decade) men. In contrast, the relative (%) rate ofdecline in VO2max was similar in the endurance-trained (13%) andsedentary (11%) men. There was no obvious relation between endurancetraining status and the rate of decline in maximal heart rate withage. CONCLUSION: The present cross-sectional findingsprovide further support for our hypothesis that the absolute, but notthe relative, rate of decline in VO2max with advancing age isgreater in endurance-trained adults compared with their healthy butsedentary peers. Supported by NIH awards AG00847, AG13038, and HL07851