The effect of age, speed, and arm dominance on shoulder function in untrained men.
Bilateral shoulder motor output measurements were obtained in 40 subjects with a Biodex dynamometer. The subjects included two groups, a younger group (20 to 30 years) and an older group (50 to 60 years). They were engaged in low to moderate levels of occupational and spare-time physical activity. Each subject performed three maximum effort shoulder movements in flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation at 60 degrees/sec and 120 degrees/sec. Side tested, axis, and speed were randomly selected. The findings indicate that a significant decline occurred in peak torque, work, and power for all axes of movement at both speeds when the older group was compared with the younger group. A decline in peak torque and work and a corresponding increase in power resulting from an increase in speed occurred in both age groups. The effect of age was the same at 60 degrees/sec and at 120 degrees/sec. Overall, no difference in dominant and nondominant motor function was seen in either the younger or older untrained men.
Gallagher
M A
MA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, USA.
Zuckerman
J D
JD
Cuomo
F
F
Ortiz
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012399:Rotation; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology*; D014937:Work