Maximal Muscular Power, Aerobic and Anaerobic, in II6 Athletes performing at the XlXth Olympic Games in Mexico

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Abstract
Maximal aerobic and anaerobic power, together with fat-free body weight, were determined by means of indirect methods on a group of L16 athletes from different countries, competing in different events, on the occasion of the Olympic Games in Mexico (2300 m above sea level). The highest absolute value in terms of maximal aerobic energy expenditure was observed in the rowers (4400 ml O2/min or 2·1 hp), while if referred to 1 kg body weight the highest value was observed in long-distance runners (65 ml O2/kg min) In terms of maximal anaerobic power, values of about 200 ml/kg min, if expressed in energy (O2) consumption, or 0·025 hp/kg, if expressed in mechanical work performed, were observed on pentathlotes and sprinters. The fat content of Olympic athletes, independent of their speciality, is significantly lower than that of ordinary people. No significant difference has been found, in terms of maximal aerobic and anaerobic power relative to fat-free body weight, between athletes and members of the ordinary population, except for the maximal O2 uptake of long-distance runners which was 25—30 per cent higher, No appreciable differences wore found between negro and white athletes, except for the fat content which seems to be higher in the latter.