The Maximal Aerobic Capacity of Young Males, Aged 8-12

Abstract

Thirty-nine males, 8 (n=4), 9 (n=5), 10 (n=9), 11 (n=ll) and 12 (n=10) yrs, were tested for voli tional V02 max using the Bar-Or treadmill protocol (Skinner et al ., 1971). The following variables were compared: ht, wt, % Fat, LBW, L-min-l, ml/kg/min-l, ml/kgLBW.min-l, HRmax, VEmax, RER, and performance time. Sig diff (p<.05) in ht were observed among the following age group comparisons: 8 to 9, 8 to 10, 8 to 11, 8 to 12, 9 to 12, and 10 to 12. [it and LBV were also sig diff (p<.05) between the following age group comparisons: 8 to 11, 8 to 12, and 9 to 12. When V02 max was expressed in L-min-l sig diff (p<.05) were observed between the following age group comparisons: 8 to 11 and 8 to 12. A sig diff (p<.05) in VEmax was observed between the 8 to 12 yr groups. Max HR, RER, performance time, and % f a t were not sig diff (p>.05) among the age group comparisons. From the present study, it was concluded that with increasing age in males 8-12 yrs, ht, vt , and LBW increased. %fat did not sig increase with age, thus changes in weight were attributed to increases in LBW as result of growth and development. V02max expressed in L-min-l and VEmax tended to increase with age, which corresponded to increases in body size. No sig diff(p>.05) in $0 max expressed relative to body wt (ml/kg/min-1 or ml/kgLBW/min-1) were observed among the groups.