Physical training: comparative responses of middle-aged adults

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the adaptations of middle-aged women and men to a ten-week physical training program. Before and after training on a treadmill maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), heart rates and blood lactate were measured. Also, heart rates during submaximal exercise were observed. Additional measurements were made for body fat (skinfold method), resting blood pressure, heart rate and vital capacity. The training program consisted of a 30-minute walking and jogging exercise, three to four days per week. As a result of the training, oxygen consumption at exhaustion increased from 1.72 to 2.18 liters-min (29.2 to 37.4 ml/kg times min) for the women; 2.78 to 3.42 liters-min (33.7 to 41.8 ml/kg times min) for the men. The mean weight loss for the groups (0.7 kg and 0.8 kg) was negligible. Estimates of body fat (skinfold method) showed a significant loss of maximal exercise decreased significantly. No significant decreases in basal heart rate, blood pressure or vital capacity were observed. These data suggest that sedentary middle-aged women respond to vigorous physical training much like sedentary middle-aged men do.