The effect of ageing on contraction time of postural and non-postural skeletal muscles in master athletes

Boštjan Šimunič ,
Boštjan Šimunič

Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research centre of Primorska,, University of Primorska , Koper , Slovenia

Rado Pišot ,
Rado Pišot

Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research centre of Primorska,, University of Primorska , Koper , Slovenia

Jörn Rittweger
Jörn Rittweger

Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University , Manchester , United Kingdom

Published: 01.06.2009.

Volume 1, Issue 1 (2009)

pp. 19-24;

https://doi.org/10.31382/EQOL200901087S

Abstract

Normal aging is characterized by muscular atrophy and a loss of force-generating capacity. The goal of this research was to investigate the age and sport activity type on postural (vastus lateralis) and non postural (biceps femoris) muscles’ contraction time in 170 master athletes (athletic events) and 51 non athletes. We found significant age effect in postural muscle (P = 0.032) and also in non postural muscle (P < 0.001). However, we found sport activity type effect significant just in non postural muscle (P < 0.001). The interaction effect of age * sport was significant in both observed muscles. Sprinters/jumpers deteriorate with age the most in postural muscle, while non athletes in non postural muscle. We could conclude that non postural muscle deteriorate the most without regular sport activity, while postural muscle have enough daily stimuli to be prevented from major deterioration. 

Keywords

References

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