Eccentric knee strength of elderly females
Article Abstract:
Research has shown that advancing age influences the isometric strength of the muscles of the arms and legs. Older adults (between the ages of 70 and 80) have 20 to 40 percent less strength than younger adults. When concentric exercise tests (exercise causing shortening of the muscles with joint movement) of the knee were used to compare young and older subjects, significant reductions were found in the muscle strength of the older group. However, examination of eccentric exercise, or exercise causing the muscles to lengthen while resisting an external force, have not been compared in young and old individuals. Examples of this exercise include control of body weight while sitting down, descending a flight of stairs, or slowing down a walking pace. The extension and flexion strength of the knee was compared during eccentric and concentric exercise in groups of 26 elderly and young women. During tests that measured knee extension, the young women scored higher than the older women, and the scores for eccentric exercises exceeded those for concentric exercises. When knee flexion was measured, similar proportions were obtained in scoring. In both measurements, the average difference in the strength of the older women was about 50 percent less than the strength measured in the group of younger women. However, scores for the eccentric muscle actions in both knee extensor and flexors were less reduced than concentric measurements in the elderly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Knee extensor and knee flexor strength: cross-sectional area ratios in youngand elderly men
Article Abstract:
The relation of isometric and isokinetic-concentric strength to cross-sectional area (CSA) ratios of knee extensors and knee flexors were compared in young and elderly men using computed tomography and a Kin-Con isokinetic dynamometer. Elederly men had smaller quadriceps muscles and weaker knee flexion and knee extension at 0 degree and 120 degree angular velocities. Elderly men had decreased strength to CSA ratios for extensors and flexors at 120 degrees but these were similar for both age groups at 0 degree. The decrease in isokinetic strength in elderly men may be due to decreased muscle CSA.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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Longitudinal study of determinants of dependence in an elderly population
Article Abstract:
The contribution of fitness and the level of physical activity to the capacity to live independently are examined. The factors from the host of possible precursor variables that are determinants of independence/dependence with the hypothesis that fitness measures and activity patterns would be important determinants are described.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0002-8614
Year: 2004
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