Skeletal muscle fatigue and endurance in young and old men and women
Author
Summary, in English
The effects of increasing age on skeletal muscle fatigue and endurance were assessed in 22 healthy young (14 men and 8 women; mean age, 28 +/- 6 years) and 16 healthy old (8 men and 8 women; mean age, 73 +/- 3 years) individuals. All subjects performed 100 repeated maximum dynamic knee extensions at 90 degrees.s-1 (1.57 rad.s-1) using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II). Peak torque was recorded during every contraction, and for each individual the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), the fatigue rate, the endurance level, and the relative reduction in muscle force were determined. MVC and endurance level were significantly lower in old men and women, but there was no discernible difference in relative muscle force reduction and fatigue rate between young and old individuals. We conclude that thigh muscles of older individuals are weaker than those of younger individuals, but relative to their strength, older individuals have similar properties as younger individuals with respect to muscle fatigue and endurance.
Department/s
Publishing year
1997
Language
English
Pages
59-66
Publication/Series
Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences
Volume
52
Issue
1
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Topic
- Geriatrics
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1758-535X