The Aerobic Capacity of Forty British Women Aged 17-27 Years

Abstract

Maximum oxygen intake ([Vdot] _{o 2}max), lung ventilation, heart rate, skinfolds, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration were measured in 40 British women aged 17-27 years during 5 min maximum ergometer exercise. Repeatable values were obtained in 2 or 3 attendances. [Vdot] _{o 2}max for 20 subjects preparing for Alpine skiing was 43.3 ml/kg min (range 37.8-50.8 ml/kg min). [Vdot] _{o 2}max for 20 laboratory technicians was 36.5 ml/kg min (range 30.9-42.2 ml/kg min). The variation in [Vdot] _{o 2} max in subjects followed over 6-12 weeks ranged from + 3 to + 30%. The variation in [Vdot] _{o 2} max in 6 skiers followed over 2-6 years ranged from — 10 to +45%. The results are compared with other series on British women and with published results from other countries.