Training and oxygen conductance in the elderly. I. The respiratory system.

Static lung volumes, closing volumes and pulmonary diffusing capacity have been measured in a group of 19 subjects (9 M, 10 F) 60 - 76 years old, all volunteers for an exercise training program (nominal 4 hours per week for 11 weeks). Initial static lung volumes were larger than in some previous series, perhaps because our sample was health-conscious and mainly nonsmokers. Training produced no significant changes in any of the pulmonary variables tested, despite a 10% increase of maximum oxygen intake seen in those members of the group who progressed to intensive training (heart rate 145 - 155/min). This reflects the fact that oxygen transport depends more on blood transport than on the respiratory system.