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Static lung volumes, closing volumes and pulmonary diffusing capacity have been measured in a group of 19 subjects (9 M, 10 F) 60 - 76 years old, all volunteers for an exercise training program (nominal 4 hours per week for 11 weeks). Initial static lung volumes were larger than in some previous series, perhaps because our sample was health-conscious and mainly nonsmokers. Training produced no significant changes in any of the pulmonary variables tested, despite a 10% increase of maximum oxygen intake seen in those members of the group who progressed to intensive training (heart rate 145 - 155/min). This reflects the fact that oxygen transport depends more on blood transport than on the respiratory system.

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CO2 rebreathing measurements of cardiac output have been made in 8 men and 7 women aged 60--76 years, before and immediately after participation in an 11-week endurance training programme. Initial values showed a lower heart rate than in younger subjects at a given percentage of maximum oxygen intake. Stroke volume decreased slightly over the range of 40--80% of maximum oxygen intake. Relative to younger subjects, metabolic needs were thus met to a larger extent by a widening of arterio-venous oxygen difference and redistribution of blood flow. Over the period of observation, training induced a decrease in heart rate and cardiac output at a given sub-maximum work load, with no change in stroke volume or arterio-venous oxygen difference.

A dry-land winter training programme for dinghy-sailors is described. Individual elements include circuit training, specific exercises for muscle strength and endurance, and distance running. Ten international-class sailors followed a progressive regimen of this type for 14 weeks after completion of the 1973 season. Excess weight and skinfold thicknesses were reduced, while muscle strength, endurance and anaerobic capacity increased. Aerobic power remained substantially unchanged, although a smaller oxygen debt was incurred in reaching maximum effort. Team members were enthusiastic about the benefits gained from the training, commenting on their greater tolerance of the hiking position and all proposed to continue or to increase their efforts during subsequent winters. Racing results during 1974 were also an improvement on the 1973 record. However, it was difficult to link physiological gains to improvements in the relative rankings of individual competitors under either light or high wind conditions; the main factor changing relative standings seems to have been the additional year of competitive experience in younger team members. INTRODUCTIONIn a previous report (6), we have drawn attention to the marked bearing that physiological attributesmuscle strength, muscle endurance, aerobic power, anaerobic capacity and balance -have upon the outcome of dinghy-sailing contests, particularly when the wind-velocity is high. During the sailing season, crewmembers develop both the necessary physiological characteristics and also competitive skills through long hours of sailing. However, in continental climates such as that of Toronto, the sailing season is short, and accordingly we have explored the possibility of sustaining and/or developing fitness through an appropriately designed dry-land training programme. The present paper discussed both team attitudes and responses to this programme.

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Determinants of performance and mechanical efficiency of effort have been made on a group of ten male nordic skiers, all participants in the University of Toronto ski-team. The oxygen intake at the maximum attainable speed of skiing on a level course averaged 89.6 percent of the maximum oxygen intake observed during uphill treadmill running; the latter (average 63.9 ml.kg-1 min-1) may be compared with values greater than 80 ml.kg1 min-1 for international competitors. Maximum heart rates and respiratory gas exchange ratios were generally lower during skiing than running, and it is suggested that the maximum oxygen intake attained during skiing is limited by the individual's skill. In support of this the more experienced skiers were able to reach close to 100 percent of the treadmill maximum oxygen intake during level skiing. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the skiing speed sustained over a one-hour period was related to experience of skiing, maximum oxygen intake, and the percentage of body fat. Assuming a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.075, a drag area of 0.7 m2 and a drag coefficient of 1.0, the gross mechanical efficiency of the university-class skier averaged a little under 20 percent, with a net efficiency of 21.3 percent.