V̇O2 slow component induced adaptations from physical training in elderly subjects

This study was designed to verify if in elderly, physically active, healthy subjects the training reduces the V̇O2 slow component (V̇O2sc) entity, as already shown in young people. Seven voluntary males aged 65 to 75 years have performed an incremental test and two constant intensity equal test, before and after an aerobic physical training program for 6 weeks. The rectangular tests loads have obtained from percentages between 10 and 20% of 2nd ventilatory threshold load incremental test. The rectangular exercises sample data have been processed using, according to cases, mathematical models with 1 or 2 exponential terms through original software. In this latter case the V̇O2sc entity has been obtained from the integral area included between the two exponentials. In conclusion, this work has demonstrated that V̇O2sc has been significantly reduced from training in our elderly subjects, as already shown in young people, with a statistically significant difference (p= 0.016).