Resistance training induced increase in VO2max in young and older subjects

Abstract

Abstract It is an undeniable fact that resistance training (RT) is a potent stimulus for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain, but it is less understood whether RT can increase maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). The purpose of this brief review is to discuss whether or not RT enhances VO2max in young (20–40 years) and older subjects (>60 years). Only 3 of 17 studies involving young subjects have indicated significant increases in VO2max following RT, while six of nine studies in older subjects have reported significant improvements in VO2max following RT. There was a significant negative correlation between the initial VO2max and RT-induced change in VO2max. This result suggests that RT-induced increase in VO2max is dependent upon the subject’s initial VO2max. The RT-induced increase in VO2max may be elicited when their initial relative VO2max is lower than 25 ml/kg/min for older subjects and lower than 40 ml/kg/min for young subjects. Thus, RT can be expected to improve concurrently both muscular and cardiovascular fitnesses within a single mode of RT when young and old persons have initially low fitness levels.