title: Age-related changes in maximal power and maximal heart rate recorded during a ramped test in 114 cyclists age 15-73 years.
abstract: This study assessed age-related changes in power and heart rate in 114 competitive male cyclists age 15-73 years. Participants completed a maximal Kingcycle ergometer test with maximal ramped minute power (RMPmax, W) recorded as the highest average power during any 60 s and maximal heart rate (HRmax, beats/min) as the highest value during the test. From age 15 to 29 (n = 38) RMPmax increased by 7.2 W/year (r = .53, SE 49 W, p < .05). From age 30 to 73 (n = 78) RMPmax declined by 2.4 W/year (r = - .49, SE 49 W, p < .05). Heart rate decreased across the full age range by 0.66 beats . min( -1 ) . year( -1 ) (r = -.75, SE 9 beats/min, p < .05). Age accounted for only 25% of the variance in RMPmax but 56% in HRmax. RMPmax was shown to peak at age 30, then decline with age, whereas HRmax declined across the full age range.
authors.affiliation: Sport Studies, Deanery of Sciences and Social Sciences, Liverpool Hope University College, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Balmer
authors.forename: Christopher R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: Steve R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bird
authors.forename: R C Richard
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Davison
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology