The relationship of leg volume (muscle plus bone) to maximal aerobic power output on a bicycle ergometer: the effects of anaemia, malnutrition and physical activity.

The relationship of maximal power output (VO2 max) to leg muscle plus bone) volume (LV) has been analysed in African children suffering from malnutrition and severe anaemia and in a group of rural adult Africans engaged in prolonged, active daily work. The results are examined in relation to 'normal' healthy active (but not in training) African ? s and ? s aged 7-35 years. The analysis clearly demonstrates that the association between VO2 max and LV is not causal; the effects of increased habitual activity and anaemia show that the two parameters can be varied independently. The effect of habitual activity on the VO2 max : LV relationship is essentially additive, whereas the effect of anaemia is multiplicative. However in malnutrition, the relationship remains unchanged; VO2 max decreases paripassu with the reduced leg (muscle plus bone) volume. Iron therapy produces an increase in VO2 max) towards normal values without a concomitant change in LV. The results give a clearer understanding of the relationship between 'active' muscle mass and aerobic power output on the bicycle ergometer and could be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis in the industrial and medical fields, particularly for cases of debilitating disease which have an effect on physiological performance and effort intolerance. The data at present cannot be applied to men and women over 35 years of age.