Endurance training of older men: responses to submaximal exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantify the exercise response of older subjects on a time-to-fatigue (TTF) submaximal performance test before and after a training program. Eight older men (67.4 +/- 4.8 yr) performed two maximal treadmill tests to determine maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and ventilation threshold (TVE) and a constant-load submaximal exercise treadmill test that required an oxygen uptake (VO2) between TVE and VO2max. The submaximal test, performed at the same absolute work rate before and after the training program, was performed to volitional fatigue to measure endurance time. The men trained under supervision at an individualized pace representing approximately 70% of VO2max (80% maximum heart rate) for 1 h, four times per week for 9 wk. Significant increases were demonstrated for VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1; 10.6%); maximal ventilation (VE, l/min; 11.6%), and TVE (l/min; 9.8%). Weight decreased 2.1%. Performance time on the TTF test increased by 180% (7.3 +/- 3.0 to 20.4 +/- 13.5 min). The similar end points for VO2, VE, and heart rate during the TTF and maximal treadmill tests established that the TTF test was stopped because of physiological limitations. The increase in performance time among the subjects was significantly correlated with improvements in VO2max and TVE, with the submaximal work rate representing a VO2 above TVE by 88% of the difference between TVE and VO2max pretraining and 73% of this difference on posttraining values.

A Qualitative Systematic Overview of the Measurement Properties of Functional Walk Tests Used in the Cardiorespiratory Domain

“…Furthermore, training effects can be seen in submaximal performance with limited change in maximal capacity. 77 Part of the difficulty inherent in validating these walk tests as measures of functional capacity is the ambiguity and confusion in the definition of the concept. While some authors define functional capacity as the ability to undertake physically demanding activities of daily living, 7,36 others use broader definitions encompassing the areas of physical, mental, and social functioning.…”

Functional Walk Tests in Individuals With Stroke

“…Although measures such as maximum oxygen consumption provide important measures of cardiovascular fitness, functional walk tests have also been used to evaluate intensive programs 2,3 because they require the individual to sustain a submaximal intensity at an intensity and duration that might better reflect activities of daily living in this population. In fact, Poulin et al 7 assessed the effects of a 9-week endurance training program in older men and found that a 280% improvement in endurance time at a submaximal level was accompanied by only a 10% increase in maximum oxygen consumption. In addition, not all subjects may be able to tolerate maximal exercise testing; Peeters and Mets 8 found that 22% of their elderly patients with chronic heart failure were unable to complete a standard treadmill test.…”

Mitochondrial ATP production rate in 55 to 73‐year‐old men: effect of endurance training

“…0 1995 Scandinavian Physiological Society individuals currently engaged in physical activity can partly prevent or delay these age-linked decreases in muscle function. After a 9-week endurance training programme, time to fatigue during a submaximal performance test was increased by 180% in older men while maximal oxygen uptake ( vo2m,J was increased by about 11% (Poulin et al 1991). Despite controversial data, likely due to an insufficient training stimulus rather than the age of the subjects (Kiessling et al 1974, Orlander & Aniansson 1980, it is also generally accepted that skeletal muscle oxidative capacity of older men can adapt to endurance training in a way similar to those reported for young men (Coggan et al 1992).…”