Absolute peak oxygen consumption increased with age in both sexes, but weight-indexed peak values were significantly lower in females ≥ 12 years old compared to those ≤ 11 years old.
Cross-Sectional (n=303)
No
How do cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters characterize age-related changes in exercise performance during adolescence in healthy children?
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals significant sex-specific, age-related changes in exercise performance during adolescence, with weight-indexed peak VO2 remaining stable in males but declining in females.
Background Age-related changes in exercise performance during adolescence are complex because of progressive physical and functional changes, in which multiple factors are involved. Methods Peak and submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters were studied in healthy children and adolescents. Results Total 303 subjects were divided into six groups by ages and sex: ≤11 years old (yo) (28/22 for males/females), 12–15 yo (61/98), and ≥16 yo (52/42). Rest and peak heart rate (HR) were comparable in all groups. Absolute peak values of oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O2), work rate (WR), and oxygen pulse (OP) were higher in older age groups in both sexes, proportionally to the larger body size. When weight-indexed, these peak values were comparable in all male groups but were significantly lower in older female groups ≥12 yo than in ≤11 yo group. Submaximal slope parameters, oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and Δ V ˙ O2/ΔHR (oxygen pulse slope), demonstrated the same age-dependent trend as peak V ˙ O2 in both sexes. The effects of weight on p V ˙ O2 were progressively enhanced with age only in males, suggesting higher muscle mass and enhanced oxidative metabolism in older males. Exercise endurance beyond anaerobic threshold was augmented in older ages, more prominent in males, indicated by the relationship between ventilatory anaerobic threshold and p V ˙ O2. Age-dependent augmentation in ventilatory oxygenation efficiency was only noted in males. Conclusion Exercise performance during adolescence involves multiple factors reflecting somatic growth, functional maturation, and puberty-related body compositions. Significant sex differences were noted in older adolescents.
Kourpas et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy children and adolescents (n=303). Age and sex-related pubertal changes vs. Younger age groups (≤ 11 years old) was evaluated on Peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and submaximal CPET parameters. Absolute peak oxygen consumption increased with age in both sexes, but weight-indexed peak values were significantly lower in females ≥ 12 years old compared to those ≤ 11 years old.