REPEATED MEASUREMENTS OF AEROBIC CAPACITY DURING A WEEK OF INTENSIVE TRAINING AT A YOUTHS' TRACK CAMP

Abstract

The maximal oxygen uptake of six boys and six girls, 18 to 16 years of age, showed no change with twice daily measurements over a 6-day period at a track camp where intensive physical training was carried out. Over the 6 days, submaximal pulse rate declined 6 beats/min for a constant load, and maximal pulse rate declined 7 beats/min. Boys and girls 13 to 16 years of age may run up to 45 miles daily without producing measurable declines in maximal oxygen uptake. Submaximal exercise pulse rates were higher in the evening compared with the morning. There was a tendency for submaximal exercise pulse rates to decline during training before any increase in aerobic capacity occurred. A prediction of aerobic capacity from submaximal tests based on pulse rate did not give a true indication of changes in aerobic capacity.