Which of the following statements is true regarding exercise adaptations?

The statement that VO2 max generally increases is accurate in the context of exercise adaptations. VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. When a person engages in regular aerobic exercise, several physiological adaptations occur, including improvements in the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, enhanced oxygen delivery to muscles, and increased mitochondrial density within muscle cells. These adaptations collectively contribute to a higher capacity for oxygen uptake and utilization during intense exercise, resulting in an increased VO2 max.

Regular training leads to enhancements such as increased stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart per beat) and improved oxygen extraction by working muscles. Consequently, these factors contribute to a notable improvement in overall aerobic capacity, which is typically reflected as an increase in VO2 max in individuals who follow a consistent exercise regimen.

In contrast, the other statements do not align with the expected physiological adaptations from regular exercise. For example, resting systolic blood pressure is more likely to decrease as a result of consistent exercise. Maximum ventilation typically increases rather than decreases to accommodate higher oxygen demands during exercise. Additionally, exercise heart rate tends to decrease over time as the heart becomes more efficient, demonstrating better fitness levels.