[Spiroergometric reference values for the sociomedical assessment of performance in adults aged over 60 years]

In order to determine physical capability, objective methods for the assessment of performance are required. Spiroergometry is well established in occupational and social medicine. The existing standard values are defined for younger adults; however patients have predominantly an older age. To determine the age-related physical capability healthy men and women at the age over 60 years were studied.

43 persons (21 ♀/22 ♂), aged 60 - 79 years were examined spiroergometrically, including lactate measurements. The results were compared with previously published standard values.

The maximum capacity in watts (W) for women was 98 W, and for men 155 W and declined with increasing age (♀ 60 - 69 years 100 W, ♀ 70 - 79 years 93 W; ♂ 60 - 69 years 165 W. ♂ 70 - 79 years 139 W). The maximum oxygen uptake (♀ 1476 ± 275 mL/min, ♂ 2292 ± 245 mL/min), the weight-specific oxygen uptake (♀ 21.6 ± 4.9 mL/kg/min, ♂ 28.4 ± 4.6 mL/kg/min) and the oxygen pulse (♀ 10.7 ± 2.8 mL, ♂ 16.4 ± 2.1 mL) were significantly lower in woman compared to men (p < 0.001). The maximum lactate was achieved in women with a mean value of 5.83 mmol/L, and for men of 6.58 mmol/L (p = 0.76).

Studies for the collection of normal values have mainly involved young people. The physiological performance parameters cannot be referred to elderly persons. In the socio-medical assessment age-related normative values should be used to determine residual capacity.