The effects of exercise on maintenance of cardiovascular fitness

Includes bibliographical references (pages 51-54)This study was undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of three exercise programs, graded in time intensity, on the maintenance of a previously established level of cardiovascular fitness. Thirty-three male college students served as subjects for this study. The subjects??? resting and recovery heart rates following a one minute step test, were observed prior to and following a period of training and detraining. All participating subjects were trained as one group twice weekly for seven weeks. Training consisted of a 12 minute run for maximum distance following two bouts of weight training utilizing the circuit method. Analysis of the pre and post training scores demonstrated that the subjects significantly increased their cardiovascular efficiency. Following the training period the subjects were separated into three equal groups on the basis of the sum of their scores in the second, third and fourth minutes of recovery. All three groups lifted weights on a low repetition maximum routine during detraining. They differed only in their running regimen. During detraining Group A ran nine minutes, Group B six minutes, and Group C three minutes twice weekly for a period of five weeks. All three detraining regimes resulted in the maintenance of the previously developed level of cardiovascular fitness. Groups A and B detrained at a stimulus sufficient enough to significantly decrease their recovery heart rates scores and thus improved their cardiovascular fitness. There were no significant differences between groups following detraining. On the basis of the findings and within the limitations of this study the following general conclusion appeared justified: that a level of cardiovascular fitness attained through running for maximum distance at one time intensity may be maintained by running for maximum distance at a time less than the former for at least five weeks