The Affects of Aging on Skeletal Muscle in Older Humans
With the onset of 2000, the average North American's life span has been extended by three years. The predictable consequences are detrimental changes in body composition, including loss of lean body mass, strength, flexibility, and bone density, along with the increase in body weight and body fat. Inactivity with aging is the primary factor in these changes, because physical activity levels are one of the most important factors affecting body composition from childhood through old age. (Adams, K., O'Shea, P., & O'Shea, K. 1999)Our knowledge of the affects of aging on fatigability, endurance, the ability to maintain force and power output is limited, and the few studies that have been performed are inconclusive. It is therefore important to assess these areas to give a more detailed account of muscle fatigue, endurance, and contractibility of aging humans. The results of the studies could prove beneficial in helping to prepare older humans to overcome and enhance his or her ability to live an independent lifestyle.With advancing age, muscle volume is reduced, and the aging atrophy, referred to as "sarcopenia" is accompanied by a decrease in muscle strength. The reduction in muscle strength seems to be equ
Research ReviewSkeletal Muscle Fatigue and Endurance in Young and Old Men and WomenBritta Lindstrom, Jan Lexell, Bjorn Gerdle, and David DownhamLindstrom et al (1997) used 38 physically healthy individuals, 22 young and 16 old to test the fatigue rate, the endurance level, and the relative reduction in muscle force. It has been suggested that the slowing of contractile muscle with age can result in a fusion of muscle force at lower motor unit firing rate. (Ng & Kent-Braun, 1999)Gender Differences in Isometric Contractile Properties and Fatigability in Elderly Human MuscleAudrey L. The vastus intermedius is obscured by the rectus femoris, and lies between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis on the anterior of the thigh. 1997)Since gait pattern also changes with age, especially in women, older individuals have an increased risk of falls and hip fractures. Despite this relative increase in force production, the surface EMG at low voluntary force levels was increased, not decreased, compared to younger adults. Bibliography ReferencesAdams, K. Anatomy & PhysiologyThe study by Hicks and McCartney (1996) purpose was to compare the isometric contractile characteristics and fatigability in the elbow flexors and ankle dorsi flexors in older males and females to determine the affects of almost two years, twice per week weightlifting training. The older group consisted of 8 men and women 73 years old. Thus, slowed muscle contractile properties in older compared to younger adults did not lead to a decreased EMG force relationship.
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