Aerobic capacity

Aerobic capacity

Aerobic capacity is dependent upon the efficiency of four body systems:

Genetics can account for variation in VO2

Specificity of training

VO2

Aerobic capacity is the ability to take in, transport and use oxygen to sustain prolonged periods of aerobic/sub-maximal work.

VO2 max is the highest rate of oxygen consumption attainable during maximal/ exhaustive work. An ability to work at a high percentage of VO2 max ( below anaerobic threshold) is thought to be a good indicator of aerobic endurance

A specific program of aerobic training will increase VO2 max due to the long term adaptations to aerobic training

Links directly to an athlete's individual response to training

The more specific the aerobic training to the sport performed and the athlete's needs, the greater the potential improvement in that sport.

Respiratory system to consume O2

Heart to transport O2

Vascular system to transport O2

Muscle cell to use O2

An athlete's individual response to training varies because of genetic variation.

Heredity only indicates an individual's potential to have a high VO2 max - this is dependent on aerobic training

Age can account for variation in VO2

VO2 max decreases approximately one percent per year due to a decrease in the efficiency of the body system

The limitation in oxygen transport to the muscles and a decreased a -VO2 diff are the main causes of a reduced VO2 max

The age at which which VO2 max starts to decrease varies with the level of adaptation/training and the individual's response to training, but it is thought to have two main causes:

Cardiovascular - maximum heart rate, cardiovascular output, stroke volume and blood circulation to the muscle tissues decreases due to a decreased left ventricular contractility

Respiratory - lung volumes, for example max VE, decrease linearly after maturation, again due to a decrease in the elasticity of lung tissues and thoracic cavity walls.

Although VO2 max decreases with age, this is partly due to decreased activity levels.

Continued aerobic training with elderly performers will maintain/ slow down any decline in V02

High-level aerobic training has an even greater slowing down effect on the rate of VO2 max decline up to around 50 years of age, but still decreases after the point.

Gender can account of variation in VO2

VO2 max values for women are generally 20-25 per cent lower then those of men

Women are disadvantaged by having a greater percentage of body fat, since this decrease VO2 max when measured per kilogram of body mass

A woman's lower VO2 max is primarily due to their smaller body size:

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