title: The Effect of Age on the V˙O2max Response to High-Intensity Interval Training.
abstract: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is documented to yield effective improvements in the cardiovascular system and be an excellent strategy for healthy aging. However, it is not determined how age may affect the training response of key components of aerobic endurance.
  
  
  
  We recruited 72 males (mean ± SD, weight = 84.9 ± 12.9 kg, height = 180.4 ± 5.8 cm) and 22 females (weight = 76.0 ± 17.2 kg, height = 171.2 ± 6.7 cm) from 20 to 70+ yr with a training status typical for their age group and divided them into six decade cohorts. The participants followed supervised training with a targeted intensity of 90%-95% of maximal HR (HRmax) three times a week for 8 wk.
  
  
  
  After HIIT, all age groups increased (P < 0.001-P = 0.004) maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) with 0.39 ± 0.20 (20-29 yr), 0.28 ± 0.21 (30-39 yr), 0.36 ± 0.08 (40-49 yr), 0.34 ± 0.27 (50-59 yr), 0.33 ± 0.23 (60-69 yr), and 0.34 ± 0.14 (70+ yr) L·min, respectively. These 9%-13% improvements were not significantly different between the age groups. In contrast to age, the percentage improvements after HIIT were inversely associated with baseline training status (r = 0.66, P < 0.001). HRmax was not altered within the respective age cohorts, but the two oldest cohorts exhibited a tendency (P = 0.07) to increase HRmax in contrast to a training-induced decrease in the younger cohorts.
  
  
  
  In healthy individuals with an aerobic capacity typical for what is observed in the population, the training response is likely not affected by age in a short-term training intervention but may rather be affected by the initial training status. These findings imply that individuals across age all have a great potential for cardiovascular improvements, and that HIIT may be used as an excellent strategy for healthy aging.
authors: 1Department of Sport and Outdoor Life Studies, Telemark University College, Bø, NORWAY; 2Faculty of Medicine, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, NORWAY; 3Hokksund Medical Rehabilitation Center, Hokksund, NORWAY; 4Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, NORWAY; 5Department of Research and Development, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, NORWAY; and 6Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
authors: Øyvind
authors: Ø
authors: Støren
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Helgerud
authors: Mona
authors: M
authors: Sæbø
authors: Eva Maria
authors: EM
authors: Støa
authors: Solfrid
authors: S
authors: Bratland-Sanda
authors: Runar J
authors: RJ
authors: Unhjem
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Hoff
authors: Eivind
authors: E
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D000072696:High-Intensity Interval Training; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D055815:Young Adult