The influence of ageing on the force-velocity-power characteristics of human elbow flexor muscles
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The influence of ageing on the force-velocity-power characteristics of human elbow flexor muscles. / Valour, D.; Ochala, J.; Ballay, Y.; Pousson, M.
In: Experimental Gerontology, Vol. 38, No. 4, 01.04.2003, p. 387-395.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The influence of ageing on the force-velocity-power characteristics of human elbow flexor muscles
AU - Valour, D.
AU - Ochala, J.
AU - Ballay, Y.
AU - Pousson, M.
PY - 2003/4/1
Y1 - 2003/4/1
N2 - The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of ageing on the maximal power (Pmax) of the elbow flexor muscles and to determine the impact of velocity on the loss of power in older people. Sixteen elderly subjects (7 men and 9 women, age range 61-78 years) and 17 young subjects (11 men and 6 women, age range 18-27 years) participated in this study. Maximal elbow flexions were performed against increasing inertia. The maximal force (Fmax), maximal shortening velocity (Vmax), Pmax, dynamic constants (a, b and a/Fmax), optimal force (Fopt), optimal velocity (Vopt) and Vopt/Vmax were determined from Hill's equation. Myoelectrical activity (EMG) of the biceps and triceps muscles was quantified as an root mean square (RMS) value. Fmax, Vmax, Pmax, Fopt, and Vopt were significantly lower in elderly than in young subjects (28, 31, 45, 24 and 28% lower, respectively; p<0.05), whereas a/Fmax and Vopt/Vmax were not different between the two age groups. In women, the greater decrease in Pmax appears to be more dependent on Vopt than Fopt. In addition, Vmax decreased with age in women but not in men. The absence of significant differences between age groups in normalised RMS values indicates that Pmax and Vmax loss with increasing age could result more from changes in the properties of contractile element than from changes in muscular activity.
AB - The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of ageing on the maximal power (Pmax) of the elbow flexor muscles and to determine the impact of velocity on the loss of power in older people. Sixteen elderly subjects (7 men and 9 women, age range 61-78 years) and 17 young subjects (11 men and 6 women, age range 18-27 years) participated in this study. Maximal elbow flexions were performed against increasing inertia. The maximal force (Fmax), maximal shortening velocity (Vmax), Pmax, dynamic constants (a, b and a/Fmax), optimal force (Fopt), optimal velocity (Vopt) and Vopt/Vmax were determined from Hill's equation. Myoelectrical activity (EMG) of the biceps and triceps muscles was quantified as an root mean square (RMS) value. Fmax, Vmax, Pmax, Fopt, and Vopt were significantly lower in elderly than in young subjects (28, 31, 45, 24 and 28% lower, respectively; p<0.05), whereas a/Fmax and Vopt/Vmax were not different between the two age groups. In women, the greater decrease in Pmax appears to be more dependent on Vopt than Fopt. In addition, Vmax decreased with age in women but not in men. The absence of significant differences between age groups in normalised RMS values indicates that Pmax and Vmax loss with increasing age could result more from changes in the properties of contractile element than from changes in muscular activity.
KW - Ageing
KW - Elbow flexors muscles
KW - Electromyograph
KW - Mechanical properties
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0037380747&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/S0531-5565(02)00265-6
DO - 10.1016/S0531-5565(02)00265-6
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 12670625
AN - SCOPUS:0037380747
VL - 38
SP - 387
EP - 395
JO - Experimental Gerontology
JF - Experimental Gerontology
SN - 0531-5565
IS - 4
ER -
ID: 245666190