Talk:Kenneth H. Cooper

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[edit] METs and Cooper Points.

Cooper gives quite extensive tables of the points worth of various activities in his 'New Aerobics' book. Came out in the early 70s I think, in time to be avidly read by baby-boomers' jogging-crazy years. My understanding was that the tables were based on Cooper's extensive measurements of VO2 (?). IIRC The tables show that the training worth of a mile at 6 minutes and a mile at 10minutes are significantly different (nearly a factor of two IIRC).

(3 miles at 30 to 36 minutes 11 points; 20 to 24 minutes 20 points)

Now in various places on the web you can find the worth of various activities expressed in Metabolic Equivalent aka METs. These tables seem to show that, once you've broken into a run at 5 to 6 mph, the higher metabolic rate of 6 minutes miling over 10 minute miling is nearly offset by the reduced time spent on the exercise - ie calories per mile is nearly independent of running speed.

(12 minute miling is 8.5 METs, 6 minute miling is 16 METs)

So what effect did Cooper measure to base his training tables on?? (His tables say if in doubt use calories/20!)

If we understand it, should we include it?

Just saw the above note, but I must be brief today.
The basis of the values of the tables should be covered in Training Effect. I don't know if the exact tables are copyrighted or, since they are based on Air Force research, but I'll ask.
You're looking for VO2 Max.
My understanding, and experience, is that total calories and metabolic rate during exercise isn't the issue here - oxygen-use capacity is. A person who can run 5 miles at 6.5 minutes per mile has a higher oxygen-use capacity than one who can run 5 at 8 per.
The Training Effect yields a higher metabolic rate ALL the time, not just while exercising.
The Cooper Center will send more info on the Training Effect and a bio of Dr. Cooper next week.
Simesa 21:40, 25 August 2005 (UTC)
As of today, I haven't received anything from the Cooper Center. Simesa 10:03, 17 September 2005 (UTC)