Author and graduation date: Amie J. DIRKS, August, 1997

Committee members: Jeanne F. Nichols (Chair), Donna Beshgotoor, Robert Metzger

Thesis title: Eighteen-Month Changes in Cardiovascular Variables Associated with Performance in Female Master Athletes

The purpose of this study was to document changes in cardiovascular variables associated with performance over an 18-month period in female and master cyclists (n=10), runners (n=7), and non-athletic women (n=8). Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), maximal heart rate (HR max), lactate threshold (LT), and peak blood lactate (Lact peak) were determined at baseline and at 18 months as the first segment of a progressing longitudinal study.

Training remained consistent from 0-18 months in both athletic groups; however, the controls increase physical activity from 1.69 to 3.31 hours per week. Consistent with an increase in physical activity, the controls increased LT from 53% to 67% of VO2max. At baseline, LT was 53%, 66% and 81% of VO2max for controls, cyclists, and runners, respectively, while at 18 months it was 67%, 69%, and 79%.

VO2max was significantly greater in runners (47.21 ml/kg/min) and cyclists (51.44 ml/kg/min) and did not change in any group (46.89, 50.50, and 27.19 ml/kg/min, respectively) from 0-18 months. The VO2max of the cyclists is the highest reported to date for age-matched athletic women.

This study indicates that maintaining the amount of training from year to year may attenuate a cardiovascular age related decline. More research on LT is needed in this population to help provide insight in order to maximize training and improve performance.

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