Aerobic fitness may be defined as the ability to deliver oxygen to the exercising muscles and to utilize it to generate energy during exercise. Aerobic fitness therefore depends upon the pulmonary, cardiovascular and haematological components of oxygen delivery and the oxidative mechanisms of the exercising muscle. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the highest rate at which [...]
Insulin increases the uptake of glucose by the muscles, promotes the synthesis of glycogen, inhibits lipolysis and increases lipid synthesis; therefore it has been speculated that age-dependent changes in blood insulin concentration might influence metabolic characteristics. Supporting data are, however, not convincing. In one of the most comprehensive studies, Wirth et al (1978) determined the [...]