Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 17

What factor(s) are responsible for the age-related decline in endurance performance?

Step 1 of 2

With age, there occur certain physiological changes which cause a decrease in muscle mass and bone density. Muscle strength also decreases due to loss of muscle fibers. Along with these changes, ageing causes a decrease in endurance performance and VO₂ max also. Limited change occurs in VO₂ max until the age of 40 years. Most of these changes occur rapidly after the age of 60 years.