Twenty-year follow-up of aerobic power and body composition of older track athletes

Abstract

The purpose was to determine the aerobic power (maximal oxygen uptake) and body composition of older track athletes after a 20-yr follow-up (T3). At 20 yr, 21 subjects [mean ages: 50.5 +/- 8.5 yr at initial evaluation (T1), 60.2 +/- 8.8 yr at 10-yr follow-up (T2), and 70.4 +/- 8.8 yr at 20-yr follow-up (T3)] were divided into three intensity groups: high (H; remained elite; n = 9); moderate (M; continued frequent moderate-to-rigorous endurance training; n = 10); and low (L; greatly reduced training; n = 2). All groups decreased in maximal oxygen uptake at each testing point (H, 8 and 15%; M, 13 and 14%; and L, 18 and 34% from T1 to T2 and T2 to T3, respectively). Maximal heart rate showed a linear decrease of approximately 5-7 beats.min-1.decade-1 and was independent of training status. Body weight remained stable for the H and M groups and percent fat increased approximately 2-2.5%/decade. Although fat-free weight decreased at each testing point, there was a trend for those who began weight-training exercise to better maintain it. Cross-sectional analysis at T3 showed that leg strength and bone mineral density were generally maintained from age 60 to 89 yr. Those who performed weight training had a greater arm region bone mineral density than those who did not. These longitudinal data show that the physiological capacities of older athletes are reduced despite continued vigorous endurance exercise over a 20-yr period (approximately 8-15%/decade). Changes in body composition appeared to be less than those shown for the healthy sedentary population and were related to changes in training habits.