Resistance and aerobic training in older men : effects on VO2peak and the capillary supply to skeletal muscle

Both aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) may increase aerobic power (VO2peak) in the older population; however, the role of changes in the capillary supply in this response has not been evaluated. Twenty healthy men (age 65-74 yr) engaged in either 9 wk of lower body RT followed by 9...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physiology (1985) 1997-04, Vol.82 (4), p.1305-1310
Main Authors: HEPPLE, R. T, MACKINNON, S. L. M, GOODMAN, J. M, THOMAS, S. G, PLYLEY, M. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Anaerobic Threshold - physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Capillaries - physiology
Exercise - physiology
Exercise Test
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Male
Muscle Fibers, Skeletal - metabolism
Muscle Fibers, Skeletal - physiology
Muscle, Skeletal - blood supply
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Oxygen Consumption - physiology
Physical Fitness - physiology
Regional Blood Flow - physiology
Striated muscle. Tendons
Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
Weight Lifting
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Summary:Both aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) may increase aerobic power (VO2peak) in the older population; however, the role of changes in the capillary supply in this response has not been evaluated. Twenty healthy men (age 65-74 yr) engaged in either 9 wk of lower body RT followed by 9 wk of AT on a cycle ergometer (RT-->AT group) or 18 wk of AT on a cycle ergometer (AT-->AT group). RT was performed three times per week and consisted of three sets of four exercises at 6-12 repetitions maximum. AT was performed three times per week for 30 min at 60-70% heart rate reserve. VO2peak was increased after both RT and AT (P < 0.05). Biopsies (vastus lateralis) revealed that the number of capillaries per fiber perimeter length was increased after both AT and RT (P < 0.05), paralleling the changes in VO2peak, whereas capillary density was increased only after AT (P < 0.01). These results, and the finding of a significant correlation between the change in capillary supply and VO2peak (r = 0.52), suggest the possibility that similar mechanisms may be involved in the increase of VO2peak after high-intensity RT and AT in the older population.
ISSN:8750-7587
1522-1601
DOI:10.1152/jappl.1997.82.4.1305