Training effect

From ArticleWorld


In the 1960's, Dr, Kenneth Cooper was studying the effects of exercise for the United States Air Force when he came up with the training effect theory. He discovered that is an athlete maintains a specific level of activity for a duration of time, he or she will, in turn, raise his or her metabolic rate. In addition, as long as the athlete continues the same level of exercise on a continuous basis, every couple days, their metabolism will remain elevated.

Measured effects

Some of the side effects of the training effect include strengthened muscles, increased respiratory strength, stronger heart muscle and it was possible for the athlete to experience lower blood pressure. Perhaps most importantly, an increase in red blood cells was noted. Because of this, the blood carried oxygen throughout the body more effectively and efficiently. As a result the VO2 was increased. Vo2 is the peak volume of oxygen that a person can metabolize during physical training.

Cooper test

Developed in 1968 in conjunction with the United States Air Force, the Copper test measures the distance a person can run, at a normal pace, in 12 minutes. Results of the test are based on three things:

  1. the distance ran
  2. the age of the person being tested
  3. the gender of the person being tested.

In addition, to the above criteria, much of the outcome lies with the motivation of the runner. The Cooper test can be used in conjunction with the VO2 measurement. An approximate formula is: VO2 Max = (distance measured in meters -505) / 45.