Effects of moderate recreational activities on the aerobic work capacity of middle aged women

The effects for aerobic work capacity through moderate recreational activity for two or four yr were investigated in thirty middle aged women, aged 35 to 58 yr. VO₂ max was determined by progressive method using a bicycle ergometer. Longitudinal observation showed that VO₂ max of younger group (under 50 yr of age) significantly increased after two yr participation, while that of older group remained unchanged for the reason of their high initial level. Cross sectional observation showed that no difference was found in VO₂ max between two yr and four yr participating groups, and that their values of VO₂ max showed to decrease with advancing age. It was considered for a certain limiting level to exist against the effect of such a recreational activity on aerobic work capacity. (25 references)