AEROBIC TRAINING CAN INCREASE MAXIMAL OXYGEN UPTAKE IN WOMEN OVER 80

781 No controlled study has looked exclusively at training effects on maximal oxygen uptake (˙VO2 max) in those aged 80 and over. After thorough familiarisation a direct measurement of ˙VO2 max as well as heart rate at an oxygen consumption of 10mls.kg-1.min-1 (HR at˙VO210) were made in 26 subjects aged 80 to 93 years. Measurements were repeated after a 12 week control period and after 12 and 24 weeks of progressive aerobic training; 19 subjects completed training. If ANOVA identified a significant time effect, data were compared by Wilcoxon matched pairs rank test. Pre-training ˙VO2 max values for those fulfilling criteria for attainment of ˙VO2 max (9/10 women and 8/9 men) were 14.1 (SD 2.79) and 22.0 (5.12) mls.kg-1.min-1 respectively. No significant change was seen in the ˙VO2 max of these subjects following the control period or after 12 weeks of training. After 24 weeks of training there was no change in the ˙VO2 max of the men, but a 15% increase (P<0.01) was seen in the women. In the 10 women who completed training there was no significant change in HR at ˙VO210 after the control period or after 12 weeks of training but a 14% decrease (P<0.01) was seen after 24 weeks of training. In the 9 men there was a 7% (P<0.05) increase in HR at ˙VO210 after the control period, no significant change after 12 weeks of training and a 5% (P<0.05) decrease after 24 weeks of training. Aerobic training can increase ˙VO2 max even in very elderly women.