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Garcia-Retortillo S, Abenza Ó, Vasileva F, Balagué N, Hristovski R, Wells A, Fanning J, Kattula J, Ivanov PC. Age-related breakdown in networks of inter-muscular coordination. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01331-9. [PMID: 39287879 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessing inter-muscular coordination in older adults is crucial, as it directly impacts an individual's ability for independent functioning, injury prevention, and active engagement in daily activities. However, the precise mechanisms by which distinct muscle fiber types synchronize their activity across muscles to generate coordinated movements in older adults remain unknown. Our objective is to investigate how distinct muscle groups dynamically synchronize with each other in young and older adults during exercise. Thirty-five young adults and nine older adults performed one bodyweight squat set until exhaustion. Simultaneous surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings were taken from the left and right vastus lateralis, and left and right erector spinae. To quantify inter-muscular coordination, we first obtained ten time series of sEMG band power for each muscle, representing the dynamics of different muscle fiber types. Next, we calculated the bivariate equal-time Pearson's cross-correlation for each pair of sEMG band power time series across all leg and back muscles. The main results show (i) an overall reduction in the degree of inter-muscular coordination, and (ii) increased stratification of the inter-muscular network in older adults compared to young adults. These findings suggest that as individuals age, the global inter-muscular network becomes less flexible and adaptable, hindering its ability to reorganize effectively in response to fatigue or other stimuli. This network approach opens new avenues for developing novel network-based markers to characterize multilevel inter-muscular interactions, which can help target functional deficits and potentially reduce the risk of falls and neuro-muscular injuries in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Garcia-Retortillo
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27190, USA
- Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC University of Barcelona, 08038, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Óscar Abenza
- Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC University of Barcelona, 08038, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fidanka Vasileva
- University School of Health and Sport, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Pediatric Endocrinology Research Group, Girona Institute for Biomedical Research, Girona, Spain
| | - Natàlia Balagué
- Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC University of Barcelona, 08038, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert Hristovski
- Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC University of Barcelona, 08038, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Physical Education, Sport and Health, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Andrew Wells
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27190, USA
| | - Jason Fanning
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27190, USA
| | - Jeff Kattula
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27190, USA
| | - Plamen Ch Ivanov
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School and Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria.
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Garcia-Retortillo S, Rizzo R, Wang JWJL, Sitges C, Ivanov PC. Universal spectral profile and dynamic evolution of muscle activation: a hallmark of muscle type and physiological state. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:419-441. [PMID: 32673157 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00385.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The skeletal muscle is an integrated multicomponent system with complex dynamics of continuous myoelectrical activation of various muscle types across time scales to facilitate muscle coordination among units and adaptation to physiological states. To understand the multiscale dynamics of neuromuscular activity, we investigated spectral characteristics of different muscle types across time scales and their evolution with physiological states. We hypothesized that each muscle type is characterized by a specific spectral profile, reflecting muscle composition and function, that remains invariant over time scales and is universal across subjects. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the myoelectrical activation and corresponding spectral profile during certain movements exhibit an evolution path in time that is unique for each muscle type and reflects responses in muscle dynamics to exercise, fatigue, and aging. To probe the multiscale mechanism of neuromuscular regulation, we developed a novel protocol of repeated squat exercise segments, each performed until exhaustion, and we analyzed differentiated spectral power responses over a range of frequency bands for leg and back muscle activation in young and old subjects. We found that leg and back muscle activation is characterized by muscle-specific spectral profiles, with differentiated frequency band contribution, and a muscle-specific evolution path in response to fatigue and aging that is universal across subjects in each age group. The uncovered universality among subjects in the spectral profile of each muscle at a given physiological state, as well as the robustness in the evolution of these profiles over a range of time scales and states, reveals a previously unrecognized multiscale mechanism underlying the differentiated response of distinct muscle types to exercise-induced fatigue and aging.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To understand coordinated function of distinct fibers in a muscle, we investigated spectral dynamics of muscle activation during maximal exercise across a range of frequency bands and time scales of observation. We discovered a spectral profile that is specific for each muscle type, robust at short, intermediate, and large time scales, universal across subjects, and characterized by a muscle-specific evolution path with accumulation of fatigue and aging, indicating a previously unrecognized multiscale mechanism of muscle tone regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Garcia-Retortillo
- University School of Health and Sport, University of Girona, Salt, Spain.,Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rossella Rizzo
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Evolutionary Systems Group Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Jilin W J L Wang
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carol Sitges
- University of Balearic Islands, Department of Psychology, Research Institute of Health Sciences and Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Plamen Ch Ivanov
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School and Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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da Silva RA, Vieira ER, Léonard G, Beaulieu LD, Ngomo S, Nowotny AH, Amorim CF. Age- and low back pain-related differences in trunk muscle activation during one-legged stance balance task. Gait Posture 2019; 69:25-30. [PMID: 30658312 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural control declines with age and can be affected by low back pain. Poor balance has been reported in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP), which in turn could be explained by the changes in trunk muscle activation. RESEARCH QUESTION Are there differences between younger and older adults with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP) on trunk muscle activity during one-legged stance task? METHODS Twenty (20) with, and 20 subjects without nonspecific CLBP participated in the study. Each group was comprised of 10 younger (50% males; mean age: 31 years) and 10 older adults (50% males; mean age: 71 years). Subjects performed 3 × 30-second trials of one-legged stance, with eyes open, on a force platform, while surface electromyography (EMG) measurements were obtained bilaterally on the multifidus at L5, iliocostalis lumborum at L3, rectus abdominis and biceps femoris muscles.EMG amplitude analysis was processed by the Root Mean Square (250 ms window epochs) and normalized by the peak of activation during the balance tasks, to determine the muscular activity of each muscle. RESULTS Participants with CLBP presented 15% lower lumbar muscle activation (p < 0.05), and 23% higher co-activation (ratio between rectus adominis by multifidus) than participants without CLBP, regardless of age. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between older and young groups were observed only for lower lumbar muscles (mean 24% lower in older than younger adults) and rectus adominis muscles (mean 17% lower in older than younger adults). SIGNIFICANCE CLBP individuals have different trunk muscle activity than those without CLBP, and older adults exhibit lower trunk activation during one-legged stance balance task. The use of the EMG in evaluation of trunk neuromuscular function during one-legged stance may thus be a valuable tool when assessing balance in CLBP and older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubens A da Silva
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Programme de physiothérapie de l'Université McGill offert en extension à l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Centre de recherche Intersectoriel en santé durable - UQAC, Laboratoire de recherche BioNR - UQAC, Saguenay, Québec, Canada; Laboratory of Functional Evaluation and Human Motor Performance (LAFUP), UNOPAR University, Doctoral and Masters Program in Rehabilitation Sciences UEL/UNOPAR, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Edgar R Vieira
- Florida International University (FIU), Physical Therapy & Neuroscience Departments, Wertheim Colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences & Medicine, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC3-430, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Guillaume Léonard
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Louis-David Beaulieu
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Programme de physiothérapie de l'Université McGill offert en extension à l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Centre de recherche Intersectoriel en santé durable - UQAC, Laboratoire de recherche BioNR - UQAC, Saguenay, Québec, Canada
| | - Suzy Ngomo
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Programme de physiothérapie de l'Université McGill offert en extension à l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Centre de recherche Intersectoriel en santé durable - UQAC, Laboratoire de recherche BioNR - UQAC, Saguenay, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre H Nowotny
- Laboratory of Functional Evaluation and Human Motor Performance (LAFUP), UNOPAR University, Doctoral and Masters Program in Rehabilitation Sciences UEL/UNOPAR, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - César F Amorim
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Programme de physiothérapie de l'Université McGill offert en extension à l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Centre de recherche Intersectoriel en santé durable - UQAC, Laboratoire de recherche BioNR - UQAC, Saguenay, Québec, Canada; Florida International University (FIU), Physical Therapy & Neuroscience Departments, Wertheim Colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences & Medicine, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC3-430, Miami, FL, USA; Doctoral and Masters Program in Physical Therapy, UNICID, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Valentin S, Licka TF. Spinal Motion and Muscle Activity during Active Trunk Movements - Comparing Sheep and Humans Adopting Upright and Quadrupedal Postures. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146362. [PMID: 26741136 PMCID: PMC4704739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sheep are used as models for the human spine, yet comparative in vivo data necessary for validation is limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare spinal motion and trunk muscle activity during active trunk movements in sheep and humans. Three-dimensional kinematic data as well as surface electromyography (sEMG) of spinal flexion and extension was compared in twenty-four humans in upright (UR) and 4-point kneeling (KN) postures and in 17 Austrian mountain sheep. Kinematic markers were attached over the sacrum, posterior iliac spines, and spinous and transverse processes of T5, T8, T11, L2 and L5 in humans and over the sacrum, tuber sacrale, T5, T8, T12, L3 and L7 in sheep. The activity of erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus externus (OE), and obliquus internus (OI) were collected. Maximum sEMG (MOE) was identified for each muscle and trial, and reported as a percentage (MOE%) of the overall maximally observed sEMG from all trials. Spinal range of motion was significantly smaller in sheep compared to humans (UR / KN) during flexion (sheep: 6–11°; humans 12–34°) and extension (sheep: 4°; humans: 11–17°). During extension, MOE% of ES was greater in sheep (median: 77.37%) than UR humans (24.89%), and MOE% of OE and OI was greater in sheep (OE 76.20%; OI 67.31%) than KN humans (OE 21.45%; OI 19.34%), while MOE% of RA was lower in sheep (21.71%) than UR humans (82.69%). During flexion, MOE% of RA was greater in sheep (83.09%) than humans (KN 47.42%; UR 41.38%), and MOE% of ES in sheep (45.73%) was greater than KN humans (14.45%), but smaller than UR humans (72.36%). The differences in human and sheep spinal motion and muscle activity suggest that caution is warranted when ovine data are used to infer human spine biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Valentin
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Theresia F. Licka
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Large Animal Hospital, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Back muscle fatigue of younger and older adults with and without chronic low back pain using two protocols: A case-control study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2015; 25:928-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Kienbacher T, Habenicht R, Starek C, Mair P, Wolf M, Paul B, Riegler S, Kollmitzer J, Ebenbichler G. The potential use of spectral electromyographic fatigue as a screening and outcome monitoring tool of sarcopenic back muscle alterations. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2014; 11:106. [PMID: 24985941 PMCID: PMC4105890 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To examine whether or not median frequency surface electromyographic (MF-EMG) back muscle fatigue monitoring would be able to identify alterations in back muscle function in elderly muscles, if a protocol was used that allowed optimum standardization of the processes underlying electromyographic fatigue, and whether these tests were reliable from day to day. Methods A total of 42 older (21 females; 67 (±10.5) years old) and 44 younger persons (19 females; 33 (±10) years) performed maximum isometric back extensions which were followed by one 30 s lasting 80% submaximum extension. Participants were seated on a dynamometer with their trunks 30° anteflexed, and they repeated all tests after 1-2 days and 6 weeks. SEMG was recorded bilaterally from the L1 (iliocostalis lumborum), L2 (longissimus), and L5 (multifidus) recording sites. Outcome variables included maximum back extension torque, initial MF-EMG (IMF-EMG), MF-EMG slope declines, and individual MF-EMG muscular imbalance scores. Two-factorial ANOVAs served to examine the age and gender-specific effects, and models from Generalizability Theory (G-Theory) were used for assessing retest-reliability. Results Maximum back extension moment was non-significantly smaller in elders. IMF-EMG was overall higher in elders, with significant differences at the L5 recordings sites. In the elderly, MF-EMG fatigue declines were significantly smaller in L5, in the recording with the most negative slope, or if the slope of all electrodes was considered. Retest reliability was unanimous in young and older persons. ICC-type measurements from G-Theory of both the IMF and the fatigue slopes ranged from 0.7 to 0.85. Absolute SEM values were found clinically acceptable for the IMF-EMG, but relatively high for the fatigue slope declines. Conclusions The MF-EMG fatigue method is able to elucidate alterations of aging back muscles. This method, thus, might be suggested as a potential biomarker to objectively identify persons at risk for sarcopenia. Considering the clinical relevance of the IMF-EMG relative to the MF-EMG slope declines, spectral EMG may also be used as an outcome monitoring tool in elderly populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kienbacher
- Karl-Landsteiner-Institute for outpatient rehabilitation research, Porschestraße 29, Vienna A-1230, Austria.
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Granito RN, Aveiro MC, Rennó ACM, Oishi J, Driusso P. Grau de cifose torácica e pico de torque de flexores e extensores de tronco entre mulheres saudáveis. Rev Bras Ortop 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbo.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Granito RN, Aveiro MC, Rennó ACM, Oishi J, Driusso P. Degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of trunk flexors and extensors among healthy women. Rev Bras Ortop 2014; 49:286-91. [PMID: 26229814 PMCID: PMC4511655 DOI: 10.1016/j.rboe.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles among women without a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis. METHODS Thirty women were selected to make up three groups: young women (n = 10; 24.60 ± 2.27 years of age); adults (n = 10; 43.50 ± 2.88); and elderly women (n = 10; 62.40 ± 2.67). Bone mineral density (BMD), degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors were evaluated. Differences between the groups were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between the variables. The significance level was taken to be 5% (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS The elderly group presented a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.009) and lower peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors than the young group. The adult group presented lower peak torque of the trunk than the young group. A negative correlation was observed between age and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors (p ≤ 0.001), and a positive correlation between age and the degree of thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.58; p ≤ 0.001). The elderly group presented higher values for the eccentric/concentric ratio of the peak torque for flexors (p = 0.03) and extensors (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION This study suggests that physiological aging may be associated with a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis and lower muscle strength of the trunk flexors and extensors. Moreover, the elderly women showed a relative capacity for preservation of eccentric strength.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana Chaves Aveiro
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Baixada Santista, Santos, SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| | | | - Jorge Oishi
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Driusso
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Singh DKA, Bailey M, Lee R. Decline in lumbar extensor muscle strength the older adults: correlation with age, gender and spine morphology. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:215. [PMID: 23875830 PMCID: PMC3723547 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle morphology, age and gender may be determinants of muscle strength in older adults. However, very few research studies have directly examined such correlation in the ageing spine. The aim of the study was to examine the correlation between lumbar extensor muscle strength, its muscle fibre angles, thoracolumbar curvature, age and gender in the older and younger adults. METHODS Muscle fibre angles of lumbar extensor muscles, thoracolumbar curvature and lumbar extensor muscle strength were examined in 26 young (mean age 27.9, SD 5.2) and 26 older (mean age 72.1, SD 5.9) participants. Pearson's correlation was employed to determine the association among lumbar extensor muscle fibre angle, thoracolumbar curvature, age, gender and lumbar extensor muscle strength. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to identify significant determinants of lumbar extensor muscle strength. RESULTS The results demonstrated a significant correlation between lumbar extensor muscle strength, muscle fibre angle, age and gender. In the step wise regression analysis, both gender and age were identified as the most robust determinant for lumbar extensor muscle strength in older adults. However, gender was the only determinant of muscle strength in the young. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the decline in the lumbar extensor muscle strength in older adults was more dependent on age when compared to younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Martin Bailey
- Chelsea School, University of Brighton, Hillbrow Denton Road, Eastbourne BN20 7SR, UK
| | - Raymond Lee
- Roehampton University, Roehampton Lane, SW15 5PU, London, UK
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Farinatti PT, da Silva NS, Monteiro WD. Influence of Exercise Order on the Number of Repetitions, Oxygen Uptake, and Rate of Perceived Exertion During Strength Training in Younger and Older Women. J Strength Cond Res 2013; 27:776-85. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e31825d9bc1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Ogawa M, Yasuda T, Abe T. Component characteristics of thigh muscle volume in young and older healthy men. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2011; 32:89-93. [PMID: 22296627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2011.01057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the component characteristics of thigh muscle volume in Japanese young and older men. The subjects in both young (YM, n = 15) and older (OM, n = 13) men were physically active (performed aerobic-type exercise 1-3 times per week), but none of the subjects had regularly participated in resistance training for a minimum of 3 years prior to the study. Contiguous transverse magnetic resonance imaging (1.5-T scanner) images were obtained from the thigh, and total and individual (quadriceps, hamstrings and adductors) muscle volumes were calculated by multiplying the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) by slice thickness and the total number of slices. Muscle length and average muscle CSA (muscle volume divided by muscle length) were determined for each muscle. Maximum voluntary isometric (MVC) knee extension and flexion strength were measured, and muscle quality was defined as MVC per unit average muscle CSA (MVC/CSA). Quadriceps muscle volume and average CSA were, respectively, 20% and 16% lower (P < 0.05) in the OM than in the YM, while hamstrings and adductors muscle volumes and average CSA were similar in both groups. Knee extension and flexion MVC were lower (P < 0.05) in the OM than in the YM. Knee extensor MVC/CSA was similar in the two groups, while knee flexor MVC/CSA was lower (P < 0.05) in the OM than in the YM. Our results suggest that age-related thigh muscle volume loss is muscle specific, in that greater quadriceps muscle loss was found in the older group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madoka Ogawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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