title: Cross-sectional assessment of neuromuscular function using mechanography in women and men aged 20-85 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the influence of age and sex on neuromuscular function of the lower limbs using mechanography. 704 adults aged 20-85 years from Germany participated in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ground reaction force and power were assessed with countermovement jumps and the chair rising test on a ground reactions force plate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While ground reaction force per unit body mass declined by about 20% from the third to the ninth decade, the decline of power per unit body mass was much greater, varying between 40-50%. Men and women are affected equally by the decline. Age and sex explained the variability of the power parameters to a much greater extent (R(2)=0.54 to R(2)=0.70) than the force parameters (R(2)=0.18 to R(2)=0.36).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our reference values can help to identify those who might be affected by the development of sarcopenia. Preventive exercise programs should focus on preserving muscle power in addition to the training of muscle force.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Muscle and Bone Research, Charite-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany. roswitha.dietzel@charite.de
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dietzel
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gast
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heine
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Felsenberg
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Armbrecht
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult