Determinants of the training response in elderly men

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), declines with age.
• Endurance training is known to improve VO2max, but factors influencing the training response in older adults require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify determinants of VO2max improvement in elderly males undergoing a year of regular endurance training.
• To analyze the relationship between baseline VO2max, training parameters, and physiological factors with training-induced changes in VO2max.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized trial involving 88 elderly males undergoing 1 year of thrice-weekly endurance training.
• VO2max was measured before and after training using incremental treadmill tests.
• Multiple regression analysis assessed the impact of initial VO2max, training intensity, reason for test cessation, leisure activity, pulmonary function, and adiposity on post-training VO2max.

Main Results:

• Endurance training increased VO2max by 12% in the training group compared to a control group.
• Initial VO2max, training speed, reason for test cessation (fatigue vs. other), and skinfold thickness were significant predictors of post-training VO2max.
• Training intensity and frequency explained over 10% of the variance in the training effect, with fatigue-induced test cessation showing a greater VO2max increase.

Conclusions:

• Factors such as baseline fitness, training intensity, and the physiological response during testing significantly influence endurance training outcomes in older men.
• Targeted exercise prescription considering these factors may optimize VO2max improvements in this population.