RESUMEN
The present study aimed to compare VÌO2max (absolute, adjusted to total body mass, and adjusted to lean mass) in recreational runners and sedentary women < and > 50 yr and verify the effect of aging and physical activity level on the three types of VÌO2 max expression. The study included 147 women:85 runners (45.7 ± 14.1 yr) and 62 sedentary controls (48.8 ± 9.8 yr). They were subjected to cardiopulmonary exercise testing for VÌO2 max measurement and a body composition test by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry system. VÌO2max were expressed as absolute values (L/min), relative to total body mass values (mL/kg/min), and relative to lean mass values (mL/kgLM/min). The two-way analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction [F(2,131) = 4.43, p < 0.001] and effects of age group [F(2,131) = 32.79, p < 0.001] and physical activity group [F(2,131) = 55.64, p < 0.001] on VÌO2max (mL/min). VÌO2max (mL/kg/min) and VÌO2 max (mL/kgLM/min) were significantly influenced by age and physical activity levels. The multiple regression model explains 76.2 % of the dependent variable VÌO2max (mL/kg/min), age (ß = -0.335, t = -7.841, p < 0.001), and physical activity group (ß = -0.784, t = -18.351, p < 0.001). In conclusion, female runners had higher VÌO2 max values than sedentary women at all ages, even though aging has a greater impact on VÌO2 max in the runners group. In addition to cardiorespiratory fitness, women's metabolic lean mass function, as measured by VÌO2max adjusted by lean mass, is significantly influenced by aging. Finally, physical activity has a greater impact on VÌO2 max levels than aging.