An Analysis of Aerobic Capacity in a Large United States Population,
Abstract
This study presents a description of aerobic capacity in a large U.S. population comprised of 1,514 males and 375 females. such influencing factors as age, training state, occupation and body composition were evaluated. The population consisted of new recruits entering the U.S. Army from civilian life as well as soldiers in a variety of assignments and physical training programs. Age ranged from 17 through 55. Aerobic capacity was determined as maximal oxygen uptake measured directly by the Douglas bag technique during a standard discontinuous treadmill running procedure with the exception of one older aged group. New male and female recruits, representing a young civilian population, entered the service with VO2 max of 51 and 37 ml/kg/BW/min, respectively, and thereafter increased 5-10% during initial basic training. The difference between genders, 30% on an absolute basis, was 14% when expressed as a function of lean body mass. Aerobic capacity was less after occupational training and continued to decrease with age at an average yearly rate of 10%. Aerobic capacity varied with intensity of the occupational physical demand except in groups with significant physical training programs. This first large U.S. population study of aerobic capacity, using a direct treadmill procedure, demonstrates levels consistent with any previously reported population. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA156200
Entities
People
- J. A. Vogel
- J. F. Patton
- R. P. Mello
- W. L. Daniels
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine