The effect of two years' training on aerobic power and muscle strength in male and female cadets.

During their first 2 years of training at the U.S. Military Academy, 11 male and 7 female cadets were studied on five occasions. VO2 max (1/min), lean body mass and body weight increased significantly in both groups. Percent body fat was significantly reduced only after the first summer of training and then returned to initial values. VO2 max (ml/kg.min) did not change in males during the study. However, females increased significantly after the initial 6 weeks of training (44.2 to 48.8 ml/kg.min). They remained at this level through the second summer of training. However, by the end of their second academic year, females' values dropped to 45.9 ml/kg.min. Maximal isometric strength measured 30-40% higher in males than in females. During the last year of training, arm and shoulder strength increased 10.2% in males, but was unchanged in females. Our results suggest that even extended military training did not enable females to significantly narrow the difference with male cadets in muscle strength and aerobic power.