Age-Related Changes in Neuromuscular Function and Performance following a High-Intensity Intermittent Task in Endurance-Trained Men

Abstract

Background: Much attention has been focused on the need to design strategies to increase functional capacities in older populations. This has raised several questions regarding the ability of regular endurance training to preserve functional capacity with age. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the age-associated changes in neuromuscular function in endurance-trained men before and after a high-intensity, intermittent fatiguing task. Method: Twenty-six healthy endurance-trained male subjects: 16 older (59–79 years) and 10 young (20–34 years) men performed a high-intensity, intermittent fatiguing exercise corresponding to 10 sets of 10 repetitions on a horizontal leg press at 70% of the individual one-repetition maximum. Maximal voluntary contractions and evoked contractions of the knee extensor muscles were performed before and after the exercise. Results: Decreases in maximum voluntary contractions (older: –9.7%; young: –14.3%) and electromyographic activity were not different between groups. Peak twitch torque was reduced only for the older men and no changes in voluntary activation and M-wave properties were recorded in either group. Conclusion: The present study indicates that in endurance-trained men aged 59–79 years, muscle functional capacities are maintained despite losses in strength and contractile function related to the age.

Declines in swimming performance with age: a longitudinal study of Masters swimming champions

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Effects of a trail running competition on muscular performance and efficiency in well-trained young and master athletes

“…Observing master athletes can give insight into ageinduced changes in physiology and adaptability, thus enabling scientists to develop more concise and effective recuperation and mobilization programs. Recent studies have shown that master endurance athletes are able to maintain their performance despite exhibiting the structural changes in muscle performance and in maximal aerobic power which are classically associated with aging Tanaka and Seals 2008;Bieuzen et al 2010;Louis et al 2009). …”

Age-Related Changes in Performance and Recovery Kinetics in Masters Athletes: A Narrative Review

“…Previous research has suggested that athletes who maintain a high level of training volume and intensity into older age are able to significantly attenuate age-related decrements in endurance performance (Berger et al, 2006;Bieuzen et al, 2010;Darr et al, 1988;Ransdell et al, 2009;Sultana et al, 2012). The ability to maintain performance through systematic training was also highlighted in a recent investigation by Gent and Norton (2013) who measured anaerobic and aerobic capacities using cycle ergometry in 173 healthy masters cyclists and triathletes aged between 35-64 years.…”

“…Recent research comparing younger and masters athletes has increased knowledge in this specific population and shown the significance of neuromuscular recovery in masters athletes. Despite this, limited research has empirically examined recovery kinetics of older versus younger athletes (Bieuzen, Hausswirth, Louis, & Brisswalter, 2010;Darr et al, 1988;Easthope et al, 2010;Fell, Haseler, Gaffney, Reaburn, & Harrison, 2006;Fell, Reaburn, & Harrison, 2008). Moreover, the possible mechanisms explaining thee slower recovery kinetics in older athletes remain to be investigated.…”