Changes in maximal cardiorespiratory capacity among aging municipal employees

Before and after a four-year follow-up, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) was determined for 67 municipal employees (initial age about 51 years). The VO₂max (ml · kg^-1) decreased 6% among the women and increased 8% among the men, the greatest and smallest change occurring for employees doing mental and physical work, respectively. The men's increase was associated with an increase in leisure-time physical activity. Work content was not associated with the level of VO₂max for either gender. After the four years the women's absolute VO₂max was about 66% of the men's. There were marked changes in VO₂max at the individual level, the most marked decreases being associated with the use of medication in some cases. After the four years the women's VO₂max of 63% was insufficient according to current recommendations. Therefore physically demanding jobs are not generally recommended for older women.