PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and magnitude of changes in functional capacity (FC) measured via maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in older individuals after exercise training using a meta-analytic approach. METHODS: Studies were retrieved via computerized literature searches and by cross-referencing original and review articles. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) at least 6 subjects per group; (b) subject groups consisting of adults 45 to 95 years of age; (c) pretest and posttest VO2max values obtained by objective criteria; (d) maximal exercise tests performed on a bicycle ergometer or treadmill; (e) aerobic exercise as the only mode of training (eg, walking, jogging, cycle ergometry); (f) training programs >= 4 weeks; (g) full-length publications, not conference proceedings; (h) subjects apparently healthy; and (i) published studies in English language journals only. RESULTS: The results of 32 studies combined to provide 60 effect sizes (ES) from a total sample of 768 individuals (46 to 90 years). With the use of a random-effects model and bootstrap resampling, overall changes in FC yielded a mean ES of 1.2 +/- 0.9 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.88). The statistical comparison of ES from the relative and absolute measures of FC revealed no difference. A statistically significant difference was found between changes in FC and intensity of training: 60 to 75% of VO2max, n = 15 (ES 1.0 +/- 0.7; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.65) versus > 80% of VO2max, n = 18 (ES 1.7 +/- 1.0; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.94, p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that either the absolute or relative measure of FC is valid for delineating an exercise prescription for apparently healthy older individuals.

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