Chopra, A. .R., & Tanaka, H. (2003). Age and gender interactions in physiological functional capacity: Insight from Track and field performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1368.

Age-group track and field data for US Masters athletes were analyzed by age-group and gender. World records were also analyzed.

Performances declined with age in both genders with females demonstrating a greater decline than males. The magnitude of running decline was greater, the greater the distance. Throwing and jumping events declined more markedly than running events.

Implication. Age-related performance declines vary with gender and event in track and field.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.