The effects of conditioning on cardiorespiratory function in adolescent boys

Abstract

Pulse rate and oxygen consumption were measured for 19 boys (aged 12-13) assigned to either Distance, Interval, or No-Training regimens, during a 5 min. run at 6 m.p.h., zero % grade on a motor driven treadmill prior to a 12 week condi tioning period, following conditioning, and after four months of deconditioning. Oxy gen consumption was assessed by open- circuitry and heart rate monitored by direct electrocardiography. Both condi tioning groups significantly improved car diovascular fitness (Distance group. 175-152 beats/min. and Interval group: 175-159 beats/min.) at P < .01, but no differences were noted between them. They differed significantly from the Con trol group (P < .05) which showed no change (172-173 beats/min.). No sig nificant differences occurred between any of the groups for Vo₂ variables, but Within group analysis statistically fa vored the Distance group. Post-condi tioning and -deconditioning compari sons indicated that deconditioning had a deleterious effect on cardiorespiratory function. Cardiorespiratory fitness im proved to the extent that competitive running events of 2-6 miles are sug gested for this age group, but as the data indicated, only after sufficient train ing. Task similarity of training and stan dard test and running volume apparently afforded a slightly greater improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness in the Distance group. Marked deterioration of fitness during deconditioning was attributed to complete absence of a training stimulus.