Aerobic work capacity in middle-aged Norwegian men

¹ Institute of Work Physiology, Oslo, Norway

Maximal oxygen uptake and related respiratory and circulatory functions were measured in sedentary and well-trained middle-aged men. Maximal oxygen uptakes averaged 2.63 liter/min in sedentary men and 3.36 liter/min in well-trained men, the latter value being essentially the same as found in young untrained students. The heart rate/ oxygen uptake relationship was found to be the same for sedentary-living men, regardless of age, but maximal heart rate was lower in older men. The maximal heart rate is probably the same in well-trained as in sedentary middle-aged men, this in contrast to what has been observed in younger age groups, where training reduces maximal heart rate. The exercise-induced hyperventilation takes place at an oxygen uptake corresponding to 70–80% of the capacity, this being the same in trained and untrained, and essentially the same as found in young adult subjects.

Submitted on March 23, 1964