Key result
Former champion middle-distance runners maintain ~15% higher VO2max in middle age versus nonathletes.
Why the study?
The physiological adjustments to aerobic and maximal work in former champion middle-distance runners decades after their competitive careers were not well characterized.
Does a history of elite middle-distance running improve physiological capacity and VO2max in later life compared to nonathletes?
Population
Former champion middle-distance runners aged 47-68 years, 25-43 years after competition, and nonathletes of corresponding ages
Comparison
Former champion middle-distance runners vs nonathletes of corresponding ages
Design
Cross-sectional study
Follow-up
25-43 years after competitive careers
Authors
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Elite running history was associated with higher midlife VO2max; leaves open whether training confers lasting benefits versus selection effects.
Cross-Sectional
Does a history of elite middle-distance running improve physiological capacity and VO2max in later life compared to nonathletes?
Absolute Event Rate: 41.8% vs 36.5%
Former champion runners maintain a higher aerobic capacity (VO2max) and perform aerobic work with less physiological strain in later life compared to nonathletes, despite experiencing a significant age-related decline.
Robinson et al. (1976) conducted a cross-sectional in Physiological aging. Former champion middle-distance runner status vs. Nonathletes of corresponding ages was evaluated on Mean VO2max (ml/min-kg-1). Former champion middle-distance runners maintained a higher mean VO2max at a mean age of 56.6 years (41.8 vs 36.5 ml/min-kg-1) compared to nonathletes of corresponding ages.
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