Frequency of training as a determinant for improvement in cardiovascular function and body composition of middle-aged men.

Frequency, duration and intensity of training have been shown to be important determinants for improving various physiological functions. This report represents a series of six training investigations conducted by the investigators over the past seven years. Within the six investigations ten separate groups were studied. These data were combined and tabulated to look at frequency of training as a determinant for improving cardiovascular function and body composition of middle-aged men. The subjects included 148 healthy, sedentary, volunteer men ranging from 28 to 64 years of age (x equal to 41). The experiments were carefully controlled and included running 30 to 45 minutes for two (four groups), three (three groups) or four (three groups) days each week for 20 weeks. The results show that all frequencies had a significant effect on cardiovascular function, but only three and four days/week regimens showed reduction in total body weight and fat. Changes in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were similar for two and three days/week programs, and significantly greater for four days. The data support the notion of frequency of training being an important criterion for improving cardiovascular function and body composition.