A 20-YR LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF OLYMPIC OARSMEN

Nine 1972 silver-medalist oarsmen were studied before the Olympic Game s and 10 and 20 yr later. Peak power, metabolic responses, and heart r ate were recorded during rowing ergometry; blood lactate was measured following exercise. The skinfold equation yielded percent body fat. Th e average change (multiple analysis of variance) among measurements fr om 1972 to 1992 was 37.5 +/- 3% (P < 0.01). Average changes between 19 72 and 1982 and between 1982 and 1992 were similar, 17 and 18%, respec tively (P < 0.01). The most significant change between 1972 and 1992 w as decreased peak blood lactate (106%). Decreases in peak power, V-E, and VO2 (ml . kg(-1). min(-1)) were all similar, approximately 40%, an d were significant. Body fat increased (from 12.3 to 15.6%), and absol ute VO2 and relative VO2 (lean body mass) decreased 30% (P < 0.01). On ly body weight, heart rate, and O-2 pulse showed smaller changes, but these changes were still significant (P < 0.05). Relative peak VO2 dec reased from 65.5 to 46.8 ml . kg(-1). min(-1) from 1972 to 1992 and at a rate of 10%. decade(-1). The most significant changes between 1972 and 1982 were increases in percent body fat (from 12.3 to 16.3%) and d ecreases in VO2, values (P < 0.01). There was less change in body fat between 1982 and 1992, but lactate significantly decreased (P < 0.01), as did peak power and absolute and relative VO2, and V-E. Although fi tness levels in former elite oarsmen decreased each decade, these decl ines were somewhat arrested by regular aerobic training. Body fat incr eased and metabolic capacity decreased rapidly during the first decade , whereas anaerobic capacity decreased more significantly in the secon d decade. Anaerobic capacity diminished at a significantly greater rat e than aerobic capacity, probably as a result of the aging process and emphasis on aerobic training in post-competitive years.