University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Isometric muscle force production characteristics as a function of chronological age in normal, healthy men, age 20 to 80 years

Bemben, Michael George

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Description

Title
Isometric muscle force production characteristics as a function of chronological age in normal, healthy men, age 20 to 80 years
Author(s)
Bemben, Michael George
Issue Date
1989
Department of Study
  • Biology, Animal Physiology
  • Education, Physical
Discipline
  • Biology, Animal Physiology
  • Education, Physical
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Biology, Animal Physiology
  • Education, Physical
Language
eng
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate in normal, healthy men, in the age range of 20 to 80 years, age related muscle force production characteristics. One hundred and fifty-seven male volunteers were recruited with 11 to 17 subjects per age group representing eleven five-year age groupings, of 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70-74, with a twelfth additional group of four subjects, 75-79 years. The maximal voluntary static muscle force production capabilities of five muscle groups (finger flexors, thumb abductors, forearm extensors, dorsiflexors, and plantar flexors) were assessed. Force-time curve parameters included strength variables such as force, rate, and impulse, and endurance variables such as force, rate, percent intermittent force decrement, total impulse, and the percent total intermittent impulse. Physique, including body size and body composition, was assessed using anthropometry, densitometry, and whole body potassium-40 spectroscopy. The data were analyzed both in terms of muscle force production as such and also adjusted for the influence of physique. Significant age group differences were found concerning the ability to produce maximal force (strength) and generate maximal rate and these differences occurred at different age groups when various muscle groups were examined. Generally, the decline in maximal force production occurred earlier in the muscles of the lower limb than those of the upper extremity. Relative measures of endurance were maintained for each age group, however, there were significant muscle group differences. The differences that were observed in the strength and endurance capabilities between the different age groups could not be explained by differences in physique and body composition.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/20648
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1989 Bemben, Michael George

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