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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Effects of ageing on the cardiorespiratory system
1Centre for Activity and Ageing, University of Western Ontario, London.
Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences = Journal Canadien Des Sciences Du Sport
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Functional capacity declines with age, but aerobic exercise capacity remains preserved. Cardiorespiratory training effectively improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in older adults, counteracting age-related losses.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Aging is associated with a decline in functional capacity, particularly muscle mass and function after 65.
- While absolute exercise capacity decreases, the ability to sustain high-intensity aerobic exercise appears preserved.
- Central cardiovascular capacity remains adequate to support reduced muscle mass in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in functional capacity with aging.
- To determine the impact of aging on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and aerobic exercise capacity.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiorespiratory training in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of functional capacity measures across different age groups.
- Assessment of VO2max decline rates up to 85 years.
- Evaluation of cardiorespiratory training interventions in older men and women.
Main Results:
- VO2max decline remains relatively constant up to 85 years.
- Cardiorespiratory training significantly increases VO2max in older adults.
- Training elicits typical submaximal exercise adaptations, compensating for age-related functional losses.
Conclusions:
- Despite age-related functional decline, aerobic exercise capacity is largely preserved.
- Cardiorespiratory training is a highly effective intervention for improving VO2max and functional capacity in older individuals.
- Exercise training can substantially mitigate the effects of aging on aerobic fitness.
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