Effectiveness of individualized aerobic training at the ventilatory threshold in the elderly

This study was designed to specify whether an individualized training program at the ventilatory threshold in elderly subjects produces greater training adaptations than a standardized training program performed at 50% of heart rate reserve. Sixteen subjects participated in the study. Maximal exercise tests were performed on a treadmill before and after the training program. Eight subjects trained at the ventilatory threshold (ITG) and eight trained at 50% of heart rate reserve (STG). The mean training heart rate was 129 +/- 14.2 bpm and 115 +/- 7.9 bpm in the individualized training group (ITG) and the standardized training group (STG), respectively. The maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) was improved significantly by 20% in ITG (within group p < .05), whereas no significant improvement was noted in STG. The improvement in ITG compared to the nonsignificant change in STG was significant (p < .05). In addition, submaximal ventilation and heart rate were more decreased in ITG than STG. We conclude that for elderly people an individualized training program at the level of the ventilatory threshold is significantly more effective in terms of VO2max and submaximal cardiorespiratory adaptations.