Cambios en la Capacidad Cardiorrespiratoria de Mujeres y Hombres de Diferentes Grupos Etarios

The purpose of this study was to compare the VO 2 max between the sexes and in different age groups in the Brazilian population. A total of 6,590 cardiopulmonary tests were performed of healthy individuals, regardless of physical activity level, of both sexes between 11 and 45 yrs of age (3,482 women and 3,108 men, respectively). The tests were performed between January 2012 and December 2017, and the oxygen consumption was measured directly with a gas analyzer. The subjects of both sexes were divided into 7 age groups: G1 (11 to 15 yrs old); G2 (16 to 20 yrs old); G3 (21 to 25 yrs old); G4 (26 to 30 yrs old); G5 (31 to 35 yrs old); G6 (36 to 40 yrs old); and G7 (41 to 45 yrs old). The results showed a main effect of sex (F (1) = 16665.5, P<0.001; ES = 0.157), age group (F (6) = 75.4, P<0.001; age (F (4) = 4.7, P = 0.003, ES = 0.003). Significant reductions were found in males between groups G2 and G3, G4 and G5, and G5 and G6 (P<0.01). Comparing the sexes, men showed higher values of VO 2 max in all age groups (P<0.001). In summary, although VO2max values are higher in males, the decline in this group was more pronounced over time. We recommend that physical activity should be promoted in the Brazilian population, especially among males.