Neuromuscular economy, strength, and endurance in healthy elderly men.
Declines in muscular strength resulting from reduced neural activity may influence the reduction in aerobic capacity in older men. However, there has been little investigation into the relationship between muscular strength and economy of movement during aerobic exercise in elderly subjects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between strength, aerobic performance, and neuromuscular economy in older men. Twenty-eight aged men (65 ± 4 years old) were evaluated in dynamic (1 repetition maximum test), isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction), and rate of force development. Peak oxygen uptake, maximal workload, and ventilatory threshold were determined during a ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer. Throughout the same protocol, the neuromuscular economy (electromyographic signal) of the vastus lateralis was measured. Significant correlations were found between muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and neuromuscular economy (r = 0.43-0.64, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that cardiorespiratory capacity and economy of movement are associated with muscular strength during aging.
Cadore
Eduardo Lusa
EL
Exercise Research Laboratory, Physical Education School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. edcadore@yahoo.com.br
Pinto
Ronei Silveira
RS
Alberton
Cristine Lima
CL
Pinto
Stephanie Santana
SS
Lhullier
Francisco Luiz Rodrigues
FL
Tartaruga
Marcus Peikriszwili
MP
Correa
Cleiton Silva
CS
Almeida
Ana Paula Viola
AP
Silva
Eduardo Marczwski
EM
Laitano
Orlando
O
Kruel
Luiz Fernando Martins
LF
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*