Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of decrease of maximum oxygen consumption as a function of age. Analysis covered both the total and relative values, related to body weight and lean body mass. A group of 908 adult subjects (301 men and 607 women), aged from 25 to 62 years, were studied. Maximum oxygen consumption was determined using the Astrand-Ryhming method. Basic morphological parameters were also evaluated, including Lean Body Mass (LBM), based on measurements of fat-skinfolds. The strongest negative correlation with chronological age was shown by V02max/kg/body weight. From the regression equations it may be concluded that the mean rate of decrease of maximum oxygen consumption per one decade at the period between 30 and 60 years of age in this population is 4.4 ml/kg in men, and 3.2 ml/kg in women. When expressed in terms of percent values, the rate of V02max decrease in men is 8-9 per one decade in total and LBM-related values, and 11 per one decade in body weight-related values. In women the values are 4-5 and 9 a decade, respectively. Verf.-Referat