Abstract des Autors

This study examined the effects of training intensity on the aerobic fitness of 14 trained aged men (64.4 +/- 4.6 years, range 58-73 yrs). Subjects were assigned to two groups. The quantity of training was the same in both groups (7 h/week), only the intensity of training differed. Intensity was determined, on the basis of heart rate, monitored by a cardiofrequence-meter (Sport tester Pe 3000). Group A (n = 7) were trained at high intensity. Group B (n = 7) at low intensity. An initial maximal exercise test (TO) was performed on a bicycle ergometer. The intensity of the exercise was increased by 30 W each min up to 180 W und then by 10 or 20 W each min to the end of the exercise. In order to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and ventilatory threshold (VT), a program of physical activity was followed for four months. At the end of this training period, another maximal exercise test (T4) was performed. At T4, only group A showed a significant increase of VO2max and a higher SV expressed in terms of VO2 l/min. Even thought it has been shown that low intensity training produces increases in VO2max in sedentary subjects, this is not true for subjects engaged in regular physical training activity. We conclude that exercising at high intensity is necessary to increase the aerobic fitness of trained aged subjects. This study discusses habitual conception training, the most often used for aged subjects. We show that some trained aged subjects naturally use a high intensity which increases their aerobic capacity. Verf.-Referat