Figure 3.

Schematic representation of the slow (aging) and the fast (changes in training habits) components of aging in masters endurance athletes. (A) The red line represents the aging-related decline in VO₂max of continuously active endurance athletes, and the lower (blue) line represents that of masters athletes who terminated their competitive activities at the age of 40 years. Detraining rapidly enhances the rate of VO₂max decline in active athletes, and recovery of VO₂max can rapidly be achieved after (re)uptake of training. (B) Decline in maximal cardiac output represents the main explanatory mechanism for both the loss and restoration of VO₂max.