Age-related changes in maximal power and maximal heart rate recorded during a ramped test in 114 cyclists age 15-73 years

J Aging Phys Act. 2005 Jan;13(1):75-86. doi: 10.1123/japa.13.1.75.

Abstract

This study assessed age-related changes in power and heart rate in 114 competitive male cyclists age 15-73 years. Participants completed a maximal Kingcycle ergometer test with maximal ramped minute power (RMPmax, W) recorded as the highest average power during any 60 s and maximal heart rate (HRmax, beats/min) as the highest value during the test. From age 15 to 29 (n = 38) RMPmax increased by 7.2 W/year (r = .53, SE 49 W, p < .05). From age 30 to 73 (n = 78) RMPmax declined by 2.4 W/year (r = - .49, SE 49 W, p < .05). Heart rate decreased across the full age range by 0.66 beats . min( -1 ) . year( -1 ) (r = -.75, SE 9 beats/min, p < .05). Age accounted for only 25% of the variance in RMPmax but 56% in HRmax. RMPmax was shown to peak at age 30, then decline with age, whereas HRmax declined across the full age range.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors*
  • Aged
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Exercise Test
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology