A 20-yr longitudinal study of Olympic oarsmen

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Performance

Background:

• Longitudinal studies on elite athletes' long-term physiological changes are crucial for understanding aging and training effects.
• Elite rowers represent a unique population for studying sustained physiological adaptations and detraining effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally assess changes in physiological and metabolic parameters in elite oarsmen over 20 years post-Olympic competition.
• To investigate the long-term impact of aging and training status on aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and body composition in former elite athletes.

Main Methods:

• Nine male silver-medalist oarsmen from the 1972 Olympics were studied in 1972, 1982, and 1992.
• Measurements included peak power, metabolic responses (VE, VO2), heart rate during rowing ergometry, and post-exercise blood lactate.
• Body fat percentage was determined using skinfold equations.

Main Results:

• Significant declines in peak power (~40%), aerobic capacity (VO2, ~40%), and anaerobic capacity (lactate, ~106%) were observed over 20 years.
• Body fat increased significantly (from 12.3% to 15.6%), while lean body mass VO2 decreased by 30%.
• Fitness declines were more rapid in the first decade, with anaerobic capacity decreasing at a greater rate than aerobic capacity in the second decade.

Conclusions:

• Former elite oarsmen experience substantial decreases in fitness and metabolic capacity with aging, despite regular training.
• The aging process and shift towards aerobic training in post-competitive years contribute to differential declines in anaerobic versus aerobic capacity.
• Regular aerobic training may help attenuate some, but not all, of the age-related declines in physiological function.