title: Neuromuscular contributions to the age-related reduction in muscle power: Mechanisms and potential role of high velocity power training.
abstract: Although much of the literature on neuromuscular changes with aging has focused on loss of muscle mass and isometric strength, deficits in muscle power are more pronounced with aging and may be a more sensitive measure of neuromuscular degeneration. This review aims to identify the adaptations to the neuromuscular system with aging, with specific emphasis on changes that result in decreased muscle power. We discuss how these changes in neuromuscular performance can affect mobility, and ultimately contribute to an increased risk for falls in older adults. Finally, we evaluate the literature regarding high-velocity muscle power training (PT), and its potential advantages over conventional strength training for improving functional performance and mitigating fall risk in older adults.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Neal B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: McKinnon
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Denise M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Connelly
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: tim.doherty@lhsc.on.ca.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Doherty
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Aging; Falls; Mobility; Muscle power; Neuromuscular system; Power training