Leg Strength and the V˙O2max of Older Men

The purpose of the study was to determine if leg strength limits V˙O2max and the ability to reach a plateau during V˙O2max test in older men during cycle ergometry. Men aged 70-80 years were randomly selected into a strength training (ST, n=12) 3 times weekly for 16 weeks, followed by 4 weeks detraining or a non-training control group (C, n=12). Leg strength and V˙O2maxwere assessed every 4 weeks for 20 weeks; body composition and cardiac function were assessed before and after 16 weeks training and after 4 weeks detraining. Leg strength, upper leg muscle mass (ULMM),
arterial-venous O2 difference (a-vO2 difference) and V˙O2max increased in the ST group (95±0.6%, 7±0.7%. 6.2±0.5% and 8±0.8%, respectively; P<0.05) after 16 weeks training. After 4 weeks detraining, gains in ULMM (50%) and strength (75%) were retained, but V˙O2max and a-vO2 difference returned to pre-training levels. There was no change in the ability of the participants to reach a plateau during V˙O2maxtesting over the 20-week study. These findings indicate that leg strength may not limit either V˙O2maxor the ability to plateau during V˙O2maxtests in older men during cycle ergometry.