Abstract

The drop in aerobic power due to detraining of 1-5 years was investigated in 11 former trained athletes. Nine subjects stopped their training after the first testing. The mean period of detraining was 3.2 years for 9 subjects. Two subjects still continue competitive training. The first testing was carried out at 21.1 years on average and retest was performed 5 years later. Aerobic power was measured by a method of treadmill running at the first test and by treadmill walking at the retest. Mean aerobic power for 9 subjects who ceased training was decreased in detraining period from 3.95 to 3.06 l/min (-22.5), and from 62.8 to 46.6 ml/kg/min (-25.8), respectively. It may be considered that a large portion of the reduction in aerobic power is closely related to the gain which was previously improved due to long-term training. This reduction may have occurred at an early stage in the period after discontinued training. There was no difference in the decreasing rate of aerobic power between 3 subjects who were successful runners and 6 subjects who were at recreational levels. Two athletes still active demonstrated high aerobic power at the retest with less quantity of training after first testing. Verf.-Referat