Resistance training induced increase in VO2max in young and older subjects

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 (VO 2 max). The purpose of this brief review is to discuss whether or not RT enhances VO 2 max in young (20-40 years) and older subjects (>60 years). Only 3 of 17 studies involving young subjects have indicated significant increases in VO 2 max following RT, while six of nine studies in older subjects have reported significant improvements in VO 2 max following RT. There was a significant negative correlation between the initial VO 2 max and RT-induced change in VO 2 max. This result suggests that RT-induced increase in VO 2 max is dependent upon the subject's initial VO 2 max. The RT-induced increase in VO 2 max may be elicited when their initial relative VO 2 max 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.

Comparison of time‐matched aerobic, resistance, or concurrent exercise training in older adults

“…Paradoxically, aerobic fitness was not improved in CEX despite improvements being observed after 12 weeks of AER and RES. The increase in aerobic fitness with RES is not unexpected in this population, with improvements likely to occur due to improvements in the capillary‐to‐fiber ratio and mitochondria enzyme activity . The duration of rest periods between sets is an important determinant for improving aerobic fitness by RES.…”

“…If confirmed, these data highlight important considerations for exercise prescription if maximizing training‐induced improvements in aerobic fitness is a primary goal. Another explanation may be that initial values for any component of fitness are an important determinant of the adaptive response to training, particularly in older cohorts . Although not statistically different at PRE, the CEX group had higher levels of aerobic fitness at PRE by ~5%, which may be another contributor to the observed outcomes.…”

“…The duration of rest periods between sets is an important determinant for improving aerobic fitness by RES. Shorter rest periods resulting in a greater requirement on pathways of aerobic energy provision could potentially provide a greater stimulus to aerobic adaptations . Indeed, the training stimulus in RES comprised of 60‐seconds active exercise sets with short rest periods of 30 seconds, so this circuit‐style approach to training may have contributed to the outcome observed.…”

“…Conversely, the possible explanations for the lack of improvement in CEX are many and varied. For instance, this may be because the stimulus to aerobic adaptation provided by either exercise mode alone needs to exceed a threshold that was not provided by CEX in the respective modes . Alternatively, it may be demonstration of an interference effect by CEX on aerobic fitness outcomes, which will require further examination in older adults.…”

Cycle training induces muscle hypertrophy and strength gain: strategies and mechanisms

“…However, the vigorous training intensity and/or high training frequency might hinder some older adults from participating in this type of training program. Interestingly, recent studies have reported concurrent improvements in V O 2 max and muscle hypertrophy in young and older populations after single exercise training (27,62,64,65). These single exercise modes include ambulatory exercise (walking, jogging, and running), cycling, and swimming.…”