Endurance performance in masters athletes

Abstract

Masters athletes are typically older than 35 years of age and systematically train for, and compete in, organized forms of sport specifically designed for older adults. They are motivated to participate in masters sport for a wide variety of reasons. Age-related declines in endurance performance are observed across the endurance sports of running, orienteering, rowing, and swimming. These declines are curvilinear from age 35 years until approximately age 60-70 years and exponential thereafter. The decline in endurance performance appears primarily due to an age-related decrease in VO 2max secondary to an age-related decrease in HR max and possible age-related declines in stroke volume and arteriovenous oxygen difference. While performance velocity at lactate threshold decreases with age in masters endurance athletes, it appears to increase relative to VO 2max while exercise economy is maintained. There also appears an age-related decrease in active muscle mass, type II muscle fiber size, and blood volume that contribute to decreased endurance performance. However, research suggests that maintenance of training intensity and volume into older age may mediate the rate of age-related decline in VO 2max , stroke volume, arteriovenous oxygen difference, blood volume, and muscle mass in masters endurance athletes.

Age-related changes in 100-km ultra-marathon running performance

“…It is possible that males are gaining more competitive opportunities as they age, or that they are seeking out competition later in life or later in their career (Ransdell et al 2009). In addition, as age increases, master athletes do not have the same intrinsic drive to train as hard as they did when they were younger (Korhonen et al 2009;Reaburn and Dascombe 2008;Spirduso et al 2005). Reaburn and Dascombe (2008) reported gender-based differences in motivation with increasing age.…”

“…In addition, as age increases, master athletes do not have the same intrinsic drive to train as hard as they did when they were younger (Korhonen et al 2009;Reaburn and Dascombe 2008;Spirduso et al 2005). Reaburn and Dascombe (2008) reported gender-based differences in motivation with increasing age. Initially, males were more motivated by achievement and females by health, social interaction and enjoyment.…”

Trends in Triathlon Performance: Effects of Sex and Age

“…decline in the thirst mechanism), could affect triathlon performance. [38,83,84,88] In addition, differences in terms of years of training, training volume and intensity between elderly male and female triathletes performing Ironman triathlon may exist, but further research is needed to clarify this. However, interpretation of cross-sectional comparisons of triathlon performance times across ages and sexes must be made carefully.…”

“…[34,79,92,96,97,98] Endurance and ultra-endurance performance appears to be maintained until approximately 35-40 years of age, followed by modest decreases until 50 years of age and a progressive decrease in performance thereafter. [83,84,88] The greatest declines in endurance and triathlon performance occur after the age of 70 years (Table 3).…”

“…[38,83,86,88] It has been found that the age of peak performance in Ironman triathlon is around 33-34 years for both males and females [32,57] , which seems to be older than the age of peak overall performance of marathoners. [99] However, this finding observed for the Ironman Switzerland triathlon needs be confirmed for other Ironman events.…”