Effect on Women of Physical Training with Low Intensities

Untrained women took part in 30 min of physical training 3 times a week for 6 weeks. One group trained on bicycle ergometers and a second group by walking. The work load and walking speed corresponded to 50–60% of the individual maximal aerobic power. The first group achieved a significant 6% increase in maximal oxygen uptake and a drop in heart rate at submaximal levels of 5–10 beats/min. The second group had no significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake and a minor drop in heart rate. The difference in results is probably due to the make-up of the groups.