Ageing of the cardiovascular system during 33 years of aerobic exercise - Statistical Data Included

Age and Ageing, Oct, 1999 by Fred W. Kasch, John L. Boyer, Paul K. Schmidt, Russell H. Wells, Janet P. Wallace, Larry S. Verity, Harry Guy, Diane Schneider

Background: increasing age affects aerobic capacity, with an average loss of 10% or more per decade. Aim: to determine the effect of ageing on the circulatory system in middle-aged men during 33 years of physical training. Methods: 15 men initially aged 45 years took part in an exercise training programme for 25-33 years.

Nine serial measurements were made at rest and during maximal effort. Aerobic training consisted of swimming, jogging, walking and cycling 3-4 times per week. Sessions were for 61-70 min at 77-84% of heart rate reserve. Results: there was no change in resting heart rate, blood pressure, percentage fat or body composition. Minimal cardiovascular losses at maximal work included 5.8-6.8% in maximal oxygen uptake per decade, 25 beats in maximum heart rate and 26 beats in heart rate reserve. Conclusion: exercise training has a favourable effect on ageing of the cardiovascular system in older men, resulting in minimal loss of oxygen uptake, no rise in resting blood pressure and no change in body composition.