What is the relationship between maximum heart rate and age in the Karvonen formula?

The relationship between maximum heart rate and age is characterized by a decrease in maximum heart rate as a person ages. This decrease is a well-established physiological principle used in various exercise prescriptions and fitness assessments.

The Karvonen formula, which is used to calculate target heart rate for aerobic exercise, incorporates the maximum heart rate. The maximum heart rate is generally estimated using the formula 220 minus the individual's age. This indicates that as age increases, the estimated maximum heart rate declines, which is important for determining appropriate intensities for cardiovascular training.

Understanding this relationship is vital for exercise physiologists as it helps them design safe and effective exercise programs tailored to the individual's age-related cardiovascular changes. Therefore, recognizing that maximum heart rate decreases with age allows for accurate assessments and ensures that clients engage in exercise regimens that are appropriate for their physiological capabilities.