Effects of exercise on maximal instantaneous muscular power of humans

A century of exercise physiology: key concepts on coupling respiratory oxygen flow to muscle energy demand during exercise

After a short historical account, and a discussion of Hill and Meyerhof’s theory of the energetics of muscular exercise, we analyse steady-state rest and exercise as the condition wherein coupling of respiration to metabolism is most perfect. The quantitative relationships show that the homeostatic equilibrium, centred around arterial pH of 7.4 and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure of 40 mmHg, is attained when the ratio of alveolar ventilation to carbon dioxide flow (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\dot{V}}_{A}/{\dot{V}}_{R}{CO}_{2}$$\end{document}V˙A/V˙RCO2) is − 21.6. Several combinations, exploited during exercise, of pertinent respiratory variables are compatible with this equilibrium, allowing adjustment of oxygen flow to oxygen demand without its alteration. During exercise transients, the balance is broken, but the coupling of respiration to metabolism is preserved when, as during moderate exercise, the respiratory system responds faster than the metabolic pathways. At higher exercise intensities, early blood lactate accumulation suggests that the coupling of respiration to metabolism is transiently broken, to be re-established when, at steady state, blood lactate stabilizes at higher levels than resting. In the severe exercise domain, coupling cannot be re-established, so that anaerobic lactic metabolism also contributes to sustain energy demand, lactate concentration goes up and arterial pH falls continuously. The \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\dot{V}}_{A}/{\dot{V}}_{R}{CO}_{2}$$\end{document}V˙A/V˙RCO2 decreases below − 21.6, because of ensuing hyperventilation, while lactate keeps being accumulated, so that exercise is rapidly interrupted. The most extreme rupture of the homeostatic equilibrium occurs during breath-holding, because oxygen flow from ambient air to mitochondria is interrupted. No coupling at all is possible between respiration and metabolism in this case.

Experimental validation of the 3-parameter critical power model in cycling

PURPOSE

The three-parameter model of critical power (3-p) implies that in the severe exercise intensity domain time to exhaustion (T_lim) decreases hyperbolically with power output starting from the power asymptote (critical power, ẇ_cr) and reaching 0 s at a finite power limit (ẇ₀) thanks to a negative time asymptote (k). We aimed to validate 3-p for short T_lim and to test the hypothesis that ẇ₀ represents the maximal instantaneous muscular power.

METHODS

Ten subjects performed an incremental test and nine constant-power trials to exhaustion on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. All trials were fitted to 3-p by means of non-linear regression, and those with T_lim greater than 2 min also to the 2-parameter model (2-p), obtained constraining k to 0 s. Five vertical squat jumps on a force platform were also performed to determine the single-leg (i.e., halved) maximal instantaneous power.

RESULTS

T_lim ranged from 26 ± 4 s to 15.7 ± 4.9 min. In 3-p, with respect to 2-p, ẇ_cr was identical (177 ± 26 W), while curvature constant W' was higher (17.0 ± 4.3 vs 15.9 ± 4.2 kJ, p < 0.01). 3-p-derived ẇ₀ was lower than single-leg maximal instantaneous power (1184 ± 265 vs 1554 ± 235 W, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

3-p is a good descriptor of the work capacity above ẇ_cr up to T_lim as short as 20 s. However, since there is a discrepancy between estimated ẇ₀ and measured maximal instantaneous power, a modification of the model has been proposed.

Impact of Aging on Endurance and Neuromuscular Physical Performance: The Role of Vascular Senescence

The portion of society aged ≥60 years is the fastest growing population in the Western hemisphere. Aging is associated with numerous changes to systemic physiology that affect physical function and performance. We present a narrative review of the literature aimed at discussing the age-related changes in various metrics of physical performance (exercise economy, anaerobic threshold, peak oxygen uptake, muscle strength, and power). It also explores aging exercise physiology as it relates to global physical performance. Finally, this review examines the vascular contributions to aging exercise physiology. Numerous studies have shown that older adults exhibit substantial reductions in physical performance. The process of decline in endurance capacity is particularly insidious over the age of 60 years and varies considerably as a function of sex, task specificity, and individual training status. Starting at the age of 50 years, aging also implicates an impressive deterioration of neuromuscular function, affecting muscle strength and power. Muscle atrophy, together with minor deficits in the structure and function of the nervous system and/or impairments in intrinsic muscle quality, plays an important role in the development of neuromotor senescence. Large artery stiffness increases as a function of age, thus triggering subsequent changes in pulsatile hemodynamics and systemic endothelial dysfunction. For this reason, we propose that vascular senescence has a negative impact on cerebral, cardiac, and neuromuscular structure and function, detrimentally affecting physical performance.

Maximal Bite Force and Its Association with Signs and Symptoms of TMD, Occlusion, and Body Mass Index in a Cohort of Young Adults

The purpose of this population-based cohort was to measure maximal bite force (MBF) in the molar and incisal regions and to examine whether MBF was associated with TMD, gender, occlusion (in terms of overjet, overbite, and total number of occluding contacts), and body mass index (BMI). MBF in the molar and incisal regions was measured using a calibrated method in 384 (196 males, 188 females) and 357 (181 males, 176 females) subjects, respectively. Two attempts in each region (right molar, left molar, and incisal) were made in random order. The subjects completed a multiple-choice questionnaire including subjective symptoms of TMD and were subsequently clinically examined. Helkimo's clinical dysfunction index and BMI were calculated. The mean MBF value in the molar region was significantly higher in males (878 N, SD 194) than in females (690 N, SD 175) (p < 0.001). The incisal forces were 283 N (SD 95) and 226 N (SD 86) (p < 0.001), respectively. According to multiple linear regression, TMJ discomfort was significantly negatively associated with MBF in the molar region (p < 0.05) and overjet was significantly negatively associated with maximal incisal bite force (p < 0.05). No significant associations between MBFs and body mass were found. The results demonstrate that in a population-based cohort of young adults signs, and symptoms of TMD and studied occlusal factors, unlike body mass, associate independently with MBF.

Establishing Normative Reference Values for Standing Broad Jump Among Hungarian Youth

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex trends in anaerobic power assessed by a standing broad jump and to determine norm-referenced values for youth in Hungary.

METHOD

A sample of 2,427 Hungarian youth (1,360 boys and 1,067 girls) completed the standing broad jump twice, and the highest distance score was recorded. Quantile regression was used to fit standing broad jump trends across linear and quadratic functions of age. Statistical significance was determined with bootstrap confidence intervals and the Wald test with p < .05. Age-by-sex specific centiles were generated and the 50th percentile was used to describe the overall patterns.

RESULTS

Standing broad jump scores increased steadily in boys from age 11 through 18 years with a discrete plateau at the end of adolescence. Girls' standing broad jump scores of those who performed above the median increased with age and plateaued later in the adolescence. Both linear and quadratic age terms were statistically significant predictors of standing broad jump trends across age (p < .05), but the relations varied depending on the percentile. The 50th percentile values resulted in 147.0 cm, 162.0 cm, 175.0 cm, 186.0 cm, 195.0 cm, 202.0 cm, 207.0 cm, and 210.0 cm for boys aged 11 to 18 years old, respectively, and 140.0 cm, 143.9 cm, 147.3 cm, 150.0 cm, 152.1 cm, 153.7 cm, 154.6 cm, and 155.0 cm for girls aged 11 to 18 years old, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides normative reference charts that take into account age and sex differences in standing broad jump performance. The proposed reference values can be used to interpret standing broad jump scores in Hungarian youth.

Intra- and inter-session reliability of vertical jump performance in healthy middle-aged and older men and women

Despite its widespread use in performance assessment, the reliability of vertical jump in an ageing population has not been addressed properly. The aim of the present study was to assess intra- and inter-day reliability of countermovement jump in healthy middle-aged (55-65 years) and older (66-75 years) men and women. Eighty-two participants were recruited and asked to perform countermovement jumps on two different occasions interspersed by 4 weeks. The middle-aged groups exhibited excellent absolute reliability for flight height, jump height, peak force, peak power, peak force/body mass, and peak power/body mass, with coefficients of variation ranging from 2.9% to 7.2% in men and from 3.6% to 6.9% in women and moderate-to-high intraclass correlations (0.75 to 0.97 in men; 0.77 to 0.95 in women). The older groups displayed good coefficients of variation (4.2% to 10.8% in men and 3.4% to 9.5% in women), but the intraclass correlations were low-to-high (0.43 to 0.84 in men; 0.42 to 0.93 in women). Overall, intra-session reliability was higher than inter-session reliability. Peak power was by far the most consistent variable, whereas flight and jump height had the most marked variability. The minimum detectable change varied from 10.5% to 33%, depending on the variable examined, suggesting important implications for intervention studies.

Relação da força explosiva e potência muscular com a capacidade funcional no processo de envelhecimento

INTRODUÇÃO: O declínio na força explosiva e potência muscular de membros inferiores (MMII) tem sido relacionado ao prejuízo funcional de idoso; entretanto, a influência do envelhecimento nestas variáveis, considerando os movimentos multiarticulares, não tem sido bem documentada. OBJETIVOS: 1) comparar a força explosiva e a potência muscular de MMII de mulheres entre 50 e 79 anos em relação aos valores de referência aos 18 anos; e 2) associar essas variáveis com a capacidade funcional. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 227 mulheres não sedentárias, subdivididas nos grupos 50-59, 60-69 e 70-79 anos de idade. Como força explosiva foi considerada a impulsão vertical sem auxílio dos braços (FE) e como capacidade funcional a velocidade normal de andar (VEL), o tempo para levantar da cadeira (CAD) e o equilíbrio estático (EQ). A potência muscular (POT) foi estimada pela altura obtida no salto vertical. O valor correspondente aos 18 anos foi considerado como referência. RESULTADOS: Foram observados menores valores (p < 0,05) em FE e POT nos três grupos de idade comparados aos 18 anos, sendo tais variáveis ainda menores no grupo 70-79 anos (p < 0,05). Somente o grupo 70-79 anos apresentou menor valor (p < 0,05) em VEL e EQ. A alteração em FE comparada à POT foi significativamente maior em todos os grupos (p < 0,05). À exceção da variável CAD nos grupos de 50-59 e 70-79 anos, a FE apresentou maior associação com a capacidade funcional do que a POT. CONCLUSÃO: FE e POT apresentaram menor valor quando comparadas ao grupo de 18 anos; entretanto, a POT não se altera em função da faixa etária. Contudo, a FE apresentou maior associação com a capacidade funcional.

An analysis of performance in human locomotion

This paper reports an analysis of the principles underlying human performances on the basis of the work initiated by Pietro Enrico di Prampero. Starting from the concept that the maximal speed that can be attained over a given distance with a given locomotion mode is directly proportional to the maximal sustainable power and inversely proportional to the energy cost of locomotion, we discuss the maximal powers (and capacities) of anaerobic (lactic and alactic) and aerobic metabolisms and the factors that limit them, and the factors affecting the energy cost of various locomotion modes. Special attention is given to the role of air resistance and frictional forces. Finally, computation of performance speed is discussed along the approach originally developed by di Prampero.

Acute changes in muscle activation and leg extension performance after different running exercises in elite long distance runners

This study investigated acute changes in muscle activation and muscular power performance after three different running exercises in elite long-distance runners. Twenty-two nationally and internationally ranked long-distance runners performed first an incremental treadmill running test until exhaustion (MR) and then 40 min continuous (TR) and intermittent (2 min run/2 min rest) (IR) running exercises at an intensity of 80 and 100% of the velocity associated with VO(2max), respectively. Muscle activation and muscular power performance tests (counter-movement jumps, CMJ, and a set of ten maximal half squats from the static starting position with an extra load of 35% of the subjects, one repetition maximum) were performed before and immediately after the runs. The average mechanical power (P) of the half squats was calculated and the root mean square electromyogram (EMGrms) from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius and biceps femoris muscles was recorded simultaneously during the half squat performances. The results showed an acute exercise-induced increase in P (ANOVA time effect, P = 0.000) together with a reduction in EMGrms of the knee extensor muscles (ANOVA time effect, P = 0.000). However, mechanical P expressed as a relative change within the set decreased after MR. In TR the improvement in P correlated positively with the maximal running performance of the runners (P < 0.05), while in IR it correlated negatively (P < 0.05). Jumping performance was significantly enhanced after each run (P < 0.001, for all) and the improvement correlated negatively with the maximal sprinting speed and maximal jumping height of the runners (P < 0.01, for all). It is concluded that in elite long distance runners an intensive prolonged running exercise reduces the surface EMG of the knee extensor muscles, and may lead to a different coordination strategy in leg extension exercises performed into the vertical direction. After continuous type of running the power improvement correlates positively with maximal endurance running capacity, whereas after intermittent type of running it correlates negatively.

Short-term muscle power during growth and maturation

During growth and maturation, the study of very brief high-intensity exercise has not received the same attention from researchers as, for instance, aerobic function. In anaerobic tasks or sports events such as sprint cycling, jumping or running, the children's performance is distinctly lower than that of adults. This partly reflects children's lesser ability to generate mechanical energy from chemical energy sources during short-term intensive activity. For many years, various attempts have been made to quantify the anaerobic energy yield in maximal-intensity exercise, but many assumptions have had to be made with respect to mechanical efficiency, lactate turnover, dilution space for lactate, and so on. During childhood and adolescence, direct measurements of the rate or capacity of anaerobic pathways for energy turnover presents several ethical and methodological difficulties. Thus, rather than measure energy supply, paediatric exercise scientists have concentrated on measuring short-term muscle power (STMP) by means of standardised tests. Previously, investigators have used various protocols such as short-term cycling power tests, vertical jump tests or running tests. Cycling ergometer tests are the most common. There is, however, no ideal test, and so it is important to acknowledge the limitations of each test. Progress has been made in assessing instantaneous cycling STMP from a single exercise bout. Several investigators have reported STMP increases with age and have suggested that late pubertal period may accentuate anaerobic glycolysis. Mass-related STMP was shown to increase dramatically during childhood and adolescence, whereas the corresponding increase in peak blood lactate was considerably lower. The latter results support the hypothesis that the difference observed between children and adolescents during STMP testing is more related to neuromuscular factors, hormonal factors and improved motor coordination, rather than being an indicator of reduced lactate-producing glycolysis mechanism. Evidence suggesting a causal link between the ability to generate lactate during exercise and sexual maturation is weak. Despite the majority of research being focused on short-term power output, the study of anaerobic function warrants more investigation. Spectacular progress is being made at the moment in the development of molecular biology tools that can be used in, for example, the genetic dissection of human performance phenotypes. Noninvasive power tools like magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are presently used to determine possible differences in phosphorus compounds between fast and slow fibre types. Undoubtedly these tools will lead to more information in the near future regarding STMP capabilities of the growing child.

Maximal instantaneous muscular power after prolonged bed rest in humans

A reduction in lower limb cross-sectional area (CSA) occurs after bed rest (BR). This should lead to an equivalent reduction in maximal instantaneous muscular power (W(p)) if the body segments' lengths remain unchanged. W(p) was determined during maximal jumps off both feet on a force platform before and on days 2, 6, 10, 32, and 48 after a 42-day duration BR. CSA of thigh muscles was measured by magnetic resonance imaging before and on day 5 after BR. Before BR, W(p) was 3.63 +/- 0.43 kW or 48.6 +/- 3.3 W/kg. On days 2 and 6 after BR, W(p) was reduced by 23.7 +/- 6.9 and 22.7 +/- 5.4% (P < 0.01), respectively. Thigh extensors CSA (CSAEXT) was 16.7 +/- 4.7% (P < 0.01) lower than before. When normalized per CSAEXT, W(p) was reduced by only 4.8 +/- 4.5% (P < 0.05). By day 48 of recovery, W(p) had returned to baseline values. Therefore, if W(p) is appropriately normalized for CSA of the extensor muscles, the reduction in CSAEXT explains most of the decrease in W(p) decrease after BR. Other factors such as a deficit in neural activation or a decrease in fiber-specific tension may account for only 5% of the W(p) loss after BR.

Effects of external loading on power output in a squat jump on a force platform: a comparison between strength and power athletes and sedentary individuals

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of external loading on power output during a squat jump on a force platform in athletes specializing in strength and power events (6 elite weight-lifters and 16 volleyball players) and in 20 sedentary individuals. Instantaneous power was computed from time-force curves during vertical jumps with and without an external load (0, 5 or 10 kg worn in a special vest). The jumps were performed from a squat position, without lower limb counter-movement or an arm swing. Peak instantaneous power corresponded to the highest value of instantaneous power during jumping. Average power throughout the push phase of the jump was also calculated. A two-way analysis of variance showed significant interactions between the load and group effects for peak instantaneous power (P< 0.01) and average power (P< 0.001). Peak instantaneous power decreased significantly in sedentary individuals when moderate external loads were added. The peak instantaneous power at 0 kg was greater than that at 5 and 10 kg in the sedentary individuals. In contrast, peak instantaneous power was independent of load in the strength and power athletes. Mean power at 0 kg was significantly lower than at 5 kg in the athletes; at 0 kg it was significantly higher than at 10 kg in the sedentary males and at 5 and 10 kg in the sedentary females. In all groups, the force corresponding to peak instantaneous power increased and the velocity corresponding to peak instantaneous power decreased with external loading. The present results suggest that the effects of external loading on peak instantaneous power are not significant in strength and power athletes provided that the loads do not prevent peak velocity from being higher than the velocity that is optimal for maximal power output.

The energetics of anaerobic muscle metabolism: a reappraisal of older and recent concepts

This paper discusses under an energetic perspective the recent and older evidence supporting the classical notion that the 'oxygen debt', as originally defined by Margaria et al. (1933) [Am. J. Physiol. 106, 689-714], consists of two major components: the alactic oxygen debt, with a half-time of the order of 30 sec, and the lactic oxygen debt, with a much longer half-time, similar to that of lactic acid removal from blood after exercise (approximately 15 min). In particular, two ensuing concepts are treated, namely (i) the energetic equivalent of blood lactate accumulation in blood, whence the notions of lactic power and lactic capacity, and (ii) the energy sources allowing contraction of the oxygen deficit at the onset of square-wave exercise. The notion of alactic oxygen deficit is rediscussed on the basis of recent evidence in humans. The analogies between lactate accumulation during supramaximal exercise and during exercise transients are discussed under an energetic perspective.

Maximum anaerobic performance of childhood-onset GH-deficient adults

To date, physical capacity of adults with GH deficiency (GHD) has been studied in terms of muscle strength, contractile properties and aerobic performance. As a result, scanty data are available regarding the maximum anaerobic performance of these patients with reference to healthy controls. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate maximum anaerobic power of adults with GHD and of age-matched controls by two methods, one testing lactacid power (w.;(c)) through a 15-s-maximal bout on a bicycle ergometer, the other testing alactic power (w.;(j)) through a vertical jump on a force platform. Absolute w.;(c)and w.;(j)values were both found to be 35% lower(P<0.04) in GHD patients than in controls. Similarly, peak pedalling velocity (V(peak)) was 21% lower (P<0.04) in patients. When w.;(c)and w.;(j)were respectively normalized for thigh and lower limb muscle plus bone volumes and V(peak)for muscle length, differences between patients and controls were no longer significant. Furthermore, the rate of power loss during the cycling bout was approximately 35% in both groups. This observation was in line with similar delta (peak minus baseline) lactate capillary blood concentrations, being 6.3 mM/l in patients and 7.5 mM/l in controls (NS). Lactacid capacity, which represents the energy extracted from lactate metabolism, normalized for body mass was similar in the two groups. In conclusion, the maximum anaerobic power that can be developed by short-statured childhood-onset GHD adults is significantly lower in terms of absolute values, but not different from that of controls once appropriately normalized. Therefore, the changes in maximum anaerobic power of GH deficient patients seem to be a consequence of their smaller muscle mass.

Determinants of peak muscle power: effects of age and physical conditioning

The relationships between absolute peak muscle power (Wpeak), muscle cross sectional area (CSAtot, i.e. the sum of both thigh and calf CSA) and muscle high energy phosphate concentration (adenosine 5'-triphosphate [ATP] and phosphocreatine concentrations [PC]) were studied in 47 subjects classified into five groups: A, 10 sedentary (S) subjects aged 20-35 years; B, 9 S aged 35-50 years; C, 9 S aged more than 50 years; D, 13 children aged 8-13 years; and E, 6 athletes (top level volleyball players) aged 24 (SD 3) years. The Wpeak was measured during a maximal vertical high jump off both feet on a force platform. The CSAtot was measured anthropometrically. The [ATP] and [PC] were determined by 31Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The Wpeak decreased with age, was 65% lower in D than in A, and 43% higher in E than in A. The CSAtot did not vary with age, was 45% smaller in D than in A, and 15% greater in E than in A. The [ATP] and [PC] were essentially the same in all groups. The changes observed in Wpeak were only partially accounted for by changes in CSAtot. Therefore, in addition to the variables investigated, other factors appear to have been involved in the determination of Wpeak with increasing age and training. An important role may be played by hormonal, particularly at puberty, and neural factors.

Effects of prolonged cycle ergometer exercise on maximal muscle power and oxygen uptake in humans

The mechanical power (Wtot, W.kg-1) developed during ten revolutions of all-out periods of cycle ergometer exercise (4-9 s) was measured every 5-6 min in six subjects from rest or from a baseline of constant aerobic exercise [50%-80% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)] of 20-40 min duration. The oxygen uptake [VO2 (W.kg-1, 1 ml O2 = 20.9 J)] and venous blood lactate concentration ([la]b, mM) were also measured every 15 s and 2 min, respectively. During the first all-out period, Wtot decreased linearly with the intensity of the priming exercise (Wtot = 11.9-0.25.VO2). After the first all-out period (t greater than 5-6 min), and if the exercise intensity was less than 60% VO2max, Wtot, VO2 and [la]b remained constant until the end of the exercise. For exercise intensities greater than 60% VO2max, VO2 and [la]b showed continuous upward drifts and Wtot continued decreasing. Under these conditions, the rate of decrease of Wtot was linearly related to the rate of increase of VO2 [(dWtot/dt) (W.kg-1 x s-1) = 5.0 x 10(-5) -0.20.(VO2/dt) (W.kg-1 x s-1)] and this was linearly related to the rate of increase of [la]b [(dVO2/dt) (W.kg-1 x s-1) = 2.3 x 10(-4) + 5.9 x 10(-5).(d[la]b/dt) (mM.s-1)].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of temperature on the maximal instantaneous muscle power of humans

The maximal instantaneous muscle power (wi,max) probably reflects the maximal rate of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis (ATPmax), a temperature-dependent variable, which gives rise to the hypothesis that temperature, by affecting ATPmax, may also influence wi,max. This hypothesis was tested on six subjects, whose vastus lateralis muscle temperature (Tmuscle) was monitored by a thermocouple inserted approximately 3 cm below the skin surface. The Wi,max was determined during a series of high jumps off both feet on a force platform before and after immersion up to the abdomen for 90 min in a temperature controlled (T = 20 +/- 0.1 degrees C) water bath. Control Tmuscle was 35.8 +/- 0.7 degrees C, with control Wi,max being 51.6 (SD 8.7) W.kg-1. After cold exposure, Tmuscle decreased by about 8 degrees C, whereas wi,max 27% lower. The temperature dependence of Wi,max was found to be less (Q10 less than 1.5, where Q10 is the temperature coefficient as calculated in other studies) than reported in the literature for ATPmax. Such a low Q10 may reflect an increase in the mechanical equivalent of ATP splitting, as a consequence of the reduced velocity of muscle contraction occurring at low Tmuscle.

A portable, easily performed muscle power test and its association with falls by elderly persoms

This study developed and evaluated a simple, inexpensive, and safe screening test for assessment of falling risk in elderly persons. Subjects sat in chairs (hips and knees at 90 degrees) with their feet over a force transducer and stood as forcefully as possible. After standing for five seconds, they sat as fast as possible. The rate of change in force (dF/dT) for standing and sitting were calculated from data collected by computer. A group of nonfallers (n = 23, age = 23 to 72 years) and a group of fallers (n = 22, age = 63 to 92 years) were studied. Nonfallers' dF/dT for standing decreased linearly from 4kg.sec-1.kg-1 to 2.5kg.sec-1.kg-1. Values in fallers decreased linearly from 3kg.sec-1.kg-1 to 0.1kg.sec-1.kg-1. The dF/dT for sitting was not dependent on age in either group. Fallers had lower dF/dT than nonfallers (1.3 +/- .6kg.sec-1.kg-1 and 2.3 +/- .01kg.sec-1.kg-1, respectively). Seventeen of 22 fallers were identified by a reduced dF/dT and reduced overshoot force (kg).

Peak anaerobic power in master athletes

The age-related decline in maximal physical performance of healthy subjects may be attributed both to the aging process per se and/or to a progressive reduction in physical activity. In two groups of master athletes, power (P) or endurance (E) trained (n = 115; aged 40-78 years), the degree and rate of the age-related deterioration of the maximal instantaneous muscle power (peak power, Wpeak), and the relative contribution of quantitative (muscle mass) and qualitative factors possibly underlying such deterioration were determined. Two groups of young athletes (n = 20; 17-26 years) and healthy untrained subjects (U, n = 37; 22-67 years) were also tested for comparison. The following two variables were assessed, firstly the lower limb muscle plus bone volume (LMV) by anthropometry, and secondly Wpeak, by means of a standardized vertical jump off both feet, performed on a force platform. The results obtained were that LMV of E and P, as well as of U, was about the same between age 20 and 45 years, whereas at older ages a progressive reduction was observed; the LMV values were higher in P than in E and U.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)