Physiological Characteristics of a 92-Year-Old 4-time World Champion Indoor Rower

Abstract

This study assessed the physiological, performance, nutritional intake, and training characteristics of a 92-year-old 4-time master world champion indoor male rower. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance. Oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, ventilation and heart rate were measured at rest and during a 2000 m time trial on a rowing ergometer. Maximal power was assessed to compute anaerobic power reserve. Training included ≈ 30 km.week-1 on the rowing ergometer. Herein, 70% of distances were covered at light intensities (RPE 10-12), 20% at hard (RPE 13-17) and 10% at near maximal or maximal (RPE 17-20). Resistance training was performed during ≈ 2 sessions.week-1, and involved 3 sets of dumbbell lunges, rows and curls, respectively, taken close (or to) failure. Dietary intake was high in protein (2.3±0.1 g.kg-1 lean body mass [LBM]), conferring a caloric intake of 33.4±1.7 kcal.kg-1 LBM. The participant demonstrated muscle mass of 47.7 kg, fat mass of 9.1 kg (15.4% body fat), forced vital capacity of 3.36 L, time constant (ᵰF;) to steady state of 30.2 s, peak relative oxygen pulse of 0.18 ([ml O2./beat.min-1]/kg), peak heart rate of 153 beats.min-1 and maximum power of 220 W (140 W anaerobic power reserve). This 92-year-old-athlete demonstrated remarkably fast oxygen uptake kinetics, akin to values for a healthy young adult, indicating well-developed and/or maintained cardiopulmonary function. The high values for cardiopulmonary function, muscle mass, metabolic efficiency and maximum power output may infer the pliability of these systems to maintain high functionality at an advanced age.