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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(4): 271-276
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1269844
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Leg Strength and the V˙O2max of Older Men

D. Lovell1 , R. Cuneo2 , E. Delphinus1 , G. Gass3
  • 1The University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Maroochydore, Australia
  • 2Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Brisbane, Australia
  • 3Bond University, Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision November 08, 2010

Publication Date:
22 December 2010 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine if leg strength limits V˙O2max and the ability to reach a plateau during V˙O2max test in older men during cycle ergometry. Men aged 70–80 years were randomly selected into a strength training (ST, n=12) 3 times weekly for 16 weeks, followed by 4 weeks detraining or a non-training control group (C, n=12). Leg strength and V˙O2maxwere assessed every 4 weeks for 20 weeks; body composition and cardiac function were assessed before and after 16 weeks training and after 4 weeks detraining. Leg strength, upper leg muscle mass (ULMM), arterial-venous O2 difference (a-vO2 difference) and V˙O2max increased in the ST group (95±0.6%, 7±0.7%. 6.2±0.5% and 8±0.8%, respectively; P<0.05) after 16 weeks training. After 4 weeks detraining, gains in ULMM (50%) and strength (75%) were retained, but V˙O2max and a-vO2 difference returned to pre-training levels. There was no change in the ability of the participants to reach a plateau during V˙O2maxtesting over the 20-week study. These findings indicate that leg strength may not limit either V˙O2maxor the ability to plateau during V˙O2maxtests in older men during cycle ergometry.

Key words

older men - training - maximal oxygen consumption

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Correspondence

Dr. Dale Lovell

The University of the Sunshine

Coast

School of Health and Sport

Sciences

Sippy Downs Dr

4556 Maroochydore

Australia

Phone: + 61/07/545 944 64

Fax: + 61/07/545 948 80

Email: dlovell@usc.edu.au