Ageing of the cardiovascular system during 33 years of aerobic exercise

Abstract

Background: increasing age affects aerobic capacity, with an average loss of 10% or more per decade. Aim: to determine the effect of ageing on the circulatory system in middle-aged men during 33 years of physical training. Methods: 15 men initially aged 45 years took part in an exercise training programme for 25-33 years. Nine serial measurements were made at rest and during maximal effort. Aerobic training consisted of swimming, jogging, walking and cycling 3-4 times per week. Sessions were for 61-70 min at 77-84% of heart rate reserve. Results: there was no change in resting heart rate, blood pressure, percentage fat or body composition. Minimal cardiovascular losses at maximal work included 5.8-6.8% in maximal oxygen uptake per decade, 25 beats in maximum heart rate and 26 beats in heart rate reserve. Conclusion: exercise training has a favourable effect on ageing of the cardiovascular system in older men, resulting in minimal loss of oxygen uptake, no rise in resting blood pressure and no change in body composition.