Aging and explosive/maximal force production during isometric/dynamic actions

Abstract:

It has been well known that maximal muscle strength declines with increasing age until 30%-40% less when compared to young people, especially at older age at the enset of the sixth decade. However, the magnitude of age related decrease in explosive strength of the same muscle group (from 50% to 60%). Muscle strength and especially the ability of the leg extensor muscles to develop force rapidly are important performance characteristics which contribute to several tasks of daily life such as climbing stairs, walking or even the prevention of falls and/or trips. Among a greater number of untrained subjects with greater interindividual variation in explosive performance capacity, positive relationships between selected characteristics of the isometric force-time curve and explosive force production in dynamic muscle actions have been demonstrated in both younger, while in older subjects with a great interindividual variation it was significant. Also a low level of maximal strength in older subjects seemed to be associated with a lower ability of the neuromuscular system to develop force rapidly. Different tests designed explosive force production capacity in dynamic vs. isometric conditions may to indicate distinct qualities of muscle functions. Under these conditions differences in mechanical, neuromuscular activation and movement pattern aspects may explain the findings of the unrelated tests scores. It suggests that in order to minimize age-related decreases in neuromuscular performance proper strength training among elderly subjects could include exercises for maximal strength as well as those of an explosive nature.

Año de publicación:

1998

Keywords:

• aging
• dynamic
• Maximal force
• isometric
• Explosive force

Fuente:

scopus