Cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluations of an endurance training program.

A comparison of the cardiorespiratory responses obtained using both a longitudinal and cross-sectional evaluation of an endurance training program was made in two groups of 60 young male military personnel. Both groups were initially tested (T1) and then retested 6 months later (T2). At T1, Group I was a sample of personnel not participating in a training program while Group II had undergone a 5-month endurance program (2-4 mile run/day). At T2, Groups I and II had been participating in the program for 6 and 11 months, respectively. Testing consisted of sub-maximal and maximal determinations of VO2, VE and heart rate (HR) using an interrupted treadmill test. VO2 max was 11% greater in Group II compared to Group I at T1 and increased 10% in Group I at T2. Similar results were also seen for HR submax, HR max and VE max. These results show that similar values indicative of an improved level of cardiorespiratory fitness can be obtained using either a cross-sectional or longitudinal design when relatively homogeneous groups are studied.