THE EFFECT OF 2 YEARS TRAINING ON AEROBIC POWER AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IN MALE AND FEMALE CADETS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (2) , 117-121
Abstract
During their first 2 yr of training at the USA Military Academy, 11 male and 7 female cadets were studied on 5 occasions. .ovrhdot.VO2 max (maximum O2 uptake; 1/min), lean body mass and body weight increased significantly in both groups. Percent body fat was significantly reduced only after the 1st summer of training and then returned to initial values. VO2 max (ml/kg.cntdot.min) did not change in males during the study. Females increased significantly after the initial 6 wk of training (44.2 to 48.8 ml/kg.cntdot.min). They remained at this level through the 2nd summer of training. By the end of their 2nd academic year, females'' values dropped to 45.9 ml/kg.cntdot.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. Apparently, even extended military training did not enable females to significantly narrow the difference with male cadets in muscle strength and aerobic power.