Age-Related Changes in Maximal Power and Maximal Heart Rate Recorded during a Ramped Test in 114 Cyclists Age 15–73 Years

Abstract

This study assessed age-related changes in power and heart rate in 114 competitive male cyclists age 15–73 years. Participants completed a maximal Kingcycle™ ergometer test with maximal ramped minute power (RMPmax, W) recorded as the highest average power during any 60 s and maximal heart rate (HRmax, beats/min) as the highest value during the test. From age 15 to 29 (n= 38) RMPmaxincreased by 7.2 W/year (r= .53, SE 49 W,p< .05). From age 30 to 73 (n= 78) RMPmaxdeclined by 2.4 W/year (r= –.49, SE 49 W,p< .05). Heart rate decreased across the full age range by 0.66 beats · min–1· year–1(r= –.75, SE 9 beats/min,p< .05). Age accounted for only 25% of the variance in RMPmaxbut 56% in HRmax. RMPmaxwas shown to peak at age 30, then decline with age, whereas HRmaxdeclined across the full age range.