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.