Ageing of ex-sportsmen: ergonometric parameters of ex-elite athletes

Abstract

After the cessation of physical activity for six or more years, processes start to occur in previously active sportsmen that cause aerobic capacity to reach the values observed in people of the same age who have never participated in sport. However, the physical capacity of these people remains above the average level for the same age group. The important factors related to the aerobic capacity of ex-elite sportsmen are the age, current physical activity and body weight. There is no relationship between their maximal aerobic capacity and the type of sport discipline practiced by the ex-athlete in the past.