Key result
Age was associated with an increase in maximal power up to age 30 (7.2 W/year), followed by a decline (2.4 W/year), whereas maximal heart rate declined across the full age range (0.66 beats/min/year).
Why the study?
How do maximal power and maximal heart rate change with age in competitive male cyclists?
Cross-Sectional (n=114)
How do maximal power and maximal heart rate change with age in competitive male cyclists?
Maximal power in competitive cyclists peaks at age 30 and then declines, whereas maximal heart rate declines continuously from age 15 to 73.
Supports age-stratified performance expectations in male cyclists; leaves open longitudinal validation and broader generalizability.
This study assessed age-related changes in power and heart rate in 114 competitive male cyclists age 15-73 years. Participants completed a maximal Kingcycle ergometer test with maximal ramped minute power (RMPmax, W) recorded as the highest average power during any 60 s and maximal heart rate (HRmax, beats/min) as the highest value during the test. From age 15 to 29 (n = 38) RMPmax increased by 7.2 W/year (r = .53, SE 49 W, p < .05). From age 30 to 73 (n = 78) RMPmax declined by 2.4 W/year (r = - .49, SE 49 W, p < .05). Heart rate decreased across the full age range by 0.66 beats . min( -1 ) . year( -1 ) (r = -.75, SE 9 beats/min, p < .05). Age accounted for only 25% of the variance in RMPmax but 56% in HRmax. RMPmax was shown to peak at age 30, then decline with age, whereas HRmax declined across the full age range.
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Balmer et al. (2005) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy competitive cyclists (n=114). Age was evaluated on Maximal ramped minute power (RMPmax) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) (p=<.05). Age was associated with an increase in maximal power up to age 30 (7.2 W/year), followed by a decline (2.4 W/year), whereas maximal heart rate declined across the full age range (0.66 beats/min/year).
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