The adaptations taking place in the body in response to a prolonged endurance training program are occurring in individuals. Not everyone responds to training in exactly the same way, and the adaptations described are what generally occurs. There are several factors which can affect an individual’s response to aerobic training, and these include gender; age; genetics; and finally the types of training an individual undertakes.
Gender
Healthy untrained females have VO2max values 20-25% less than their male counterparts when matched for age. In highly conditioned female endurance athletes, this discrepancy falls to around 10%. These results suggest that there are definite gender differences in VO2max values that are not fully overcome by endurance training.
Gender
Healthy untrained females have VO2max values 20-25% less than their male counterparts when matched for age. In highly conditioned female endurance athletes, this discrepancy falls to around 10%. These results suggest that there are definite gender differences in VO2max values that are not fully overcome by endurance training.
Age
Studies have shown that elderly athletes who undertake endurance training programs can improve their VO2max values and individual responses to training very greatly. However, there is an age-related decline in VO2max values beyond about 50yrs of age. This decline is seen earlier in athletes who reduce or stop their training. Older athletes who maintain a training program will have lower reductions in their VO2max values compared to older athletes who reduce their training intensity. There is little doubt that some of the age-related declines in VO2max values may be a result of age-related reductions in activity levels.
Studies have shown that elderly athletes who undertake endurance training programs can improve their VO2max values and individual responses to training very greatly. However, there is an age-related decline in VO2max values beyond about 50yrs of age. This decline is seen earlier in athletes who reduce or stop their training. Older athletes who maintain a training program will have lower reductions in their VO2max values compared to older athletes who reduce their training intensity. There is little doubt that some of the age-related declines in VO2max values may be a result of age-related reductions in activity levels.
Genetics
Research has shown that identical twins (with identical genetic make-up) have very similar VO2 max values, whereas the variability in VO2max values in dizygous twins (who only share 25% of their genes) and brothers is much greater. It has been estimated that heredity accounts for 25-50% of the variance in VO2max values.
Genetics also determines an individual’s response to a training program. Studies have shown wide variations in improvement of VO2max values with aerobic training. Given the same training program, over the same time period, and with the same compliance to the program, with age and gender also controlled, improvement in VO2max values range from 0%-43%, and these variations are believed to be genetically determined.
Type of Training
The adaptations that occur as a result of endurance training are specific to the nature of the training undertaken. It is therefore important to select an appropriate training program that suits the needs of the individual athlete in order to maximise the physiological adaptations and therefore optimise the potential for improved performance. For example, an endurance cyclist will show greater improvement in VO2max values by undertaking an endurance program that is cycling specific rather than an endurance program that involves just running for example. This is because adaptations occur in the specific muscles being trained for an activity.
For this reason, it is also important when testing VO2max values that the individual undertakes an activity that is closely related to his / her sport in order to achieve their best possible result.
Research has shown that identical twins (with identical genetic make-up) have very similar VO2 max values, whereas the variability in VO2max values in dizygous twins (who only share 25% of their genes) and brothers is much greater. It has been estimated that heredity accounts for 25-50% of the variance in VO2max values.
Genetics also determines an individual’s response to a training program. Studies have shown wide variations in improvement of VO2max values with aerobic training. Given the same training program, over the same time period, and with the same compliance to the program, with age and gender also controlled, improvement in VO2max values range from 0%-43%, and these variations are believed to be genetically determined.
Type of Training
The adaptations that occur as a result of endurance training are specific to the nature of the training undertaken. It is therefore important to select an appropriate training program that suits the needs of the individual athlete in order to maximise the physiological adaptations and therefore optimise the potential for improved performance. For example, an endurance cyclist will show greater improvement in VO2max values by undertaking an endurance program that is cycling specific rather than an endurance program that involves just running for example. This is because adaptations occur in the specific muscles being trained for an activity.
For this reason, it is also important when testing VO2max values that the individual undertakes an activity that is closely related to his / her sport in order to achieve their best possible result.