Importance of training in prevention of the decline of physical performance in elderly sedentary persons and veteran athletes

Summary -five male veteran athletes were studied between 55 and 79 years of age, having exercised track-and-field sports in the amateur class for at least 15 years without interruption. These athletes were divided into power and endurance groups. The subjects examined were compared to a male control group of 30 elderly, healthy persons aged between 51 and 77 years, leading a sedentary lifestyle. All the subjects were submitted to a standard protocol using BOSCO ERGOJUMP. These trials permitted us to evaluate in the laboratory the explosive power of the inferior limbs, maximal alactic and lactic capacities. The results obtained suggest interesting correlations between the unwinding of physical activity and a deterioration of explosive and anaerobic power, above all in subjects over 65 years of age. Therefore, a regular training program could attenuate the modifications and the age-associated decline.