Changes in cardiorespiratory function in different groups of former and still active male cross-country skiers: a 28-30-year follow-up study

The aim of the study was to assess longitudinal changes in cardiorespiratory function in different groups of current or former endurance trained male cross-country skiers. Three different age groups (n = 122) took part in a similar study in 1976. Of 86 men still alive 78 responded (90.7%). Thirtytwo from group I (age 58.7 +/- 2.3) and 36 from group II (age 74.5 +/- 2.5) participated in a maximum exercise test. We found significant difference in decline in VO2max between age groups (%/decade: 6.7 +/- 3.6 vs 13.9 +/- 3.2; P = 0.0001 and in L/min/decade: 0.32 +/- 0.18 vs 0.53 +/- 0.14; P = 0.0001). Men in group I (but only a tendency in group II) who were still competing and reported unchanged training patterns had a significant attenuated decline in VO2max (%/decade: 4.1 +/- 3.7 vs 8.1 +/- 2.8; P = 0.003 and L/min: 0.19 +/- 0.0.17 vs 0.39 +/- 0.15; P = 0.004). This study shows that lifelong endurance training does not stop the decline in VO2max with ageing, but vigorous training is important to attenuate the decline.