WORK TOLERANCE: AGE AND ALTITUDE,
Abstract
The work capacity of nine men was measured on the treadmill and/or on the bicycle ergometer at sea level and high altitude; five of these men were studied at intervals 18 to 33 years apart. The maximum capacity for oxygen intake declined with age, both a high altitude and at sea level. Individual responses varied greatly: the most fit individual, age 54, had about as great an oxygen intake on the ergometer at an altitude of 14,200 feet as had a man one-half his age at sea level. After 5 to 6 weeks of acclimatization a man of 71 attained at the elevation of 12,600 feet a greater oxygen intake per kg and per min than a man of 27. At that altitude the peak oxygen intake on the bicycle ergometer may be only one-half of the sea level value two or three days after arrival; after four to six weeks it may range from as little as two-thirds to as much as five-sixths of the sea level value. This improvement of work capacity was the consequence of acclimatization processes as well as of greater physical activity at altitude and was not restricted to the younger experimental subjects. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0603932
Entities
People
- B. Balke
- D. B. Dill
- J. L. Newton
- Samantha G. Robinson
Organizations
- Indiana University Bloomington