Effects of age and limb dominance on upper and lower limb muscle function in healthy males and females aged 40-80 years

Author(s)
Ditroilo, Massimiliano
Forte, Roberta
Benelli, Piero
Gambarara, Danilo
de Vito, Giuseppe
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of gender, age, and dominance on upper and lower limb muscle function. One hundred and fifty-two males and females aged 20-30 and 40-80 years were recruited. Maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) of the knee extensor muscles, and handgrip MVC were measured bilaterally as indicators of lower and upper limb muscle function, respectively. In both sexes, significant main effects were found for age (knee extension MVC, RFD, and handgrip MVC) and limb dominance (handgrip MVC). Men exhibited a steeper agerelated decline in muscle function than women, particularly in the lower limb [dominant limb: knee extension MVC 756% (men) vs. 735% (women); handgrip MVC 730% (men) vs. 726% (women); RFD 767% (men) vs. 747% (women); non-dominant limb: knee extension MVC 749% (men) vs. 736% (women); handgrip MVC 726% (men) vs. 724% (women); RFD 762% (men) vs. 744% (women)]. Although men showed a higher rate of decline in muscle function, in absolute terms they demonstrated better muscle function than women in all age groups, which has important implications for independence and quality of life. A clear asymmetry in muscle function was evident in both sexes only for handgrip MVC.
Citation
Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(6), p. 667-677
ISSN
1466-447X
0264-0414
Link
Publisher
Routledge
Title
Effects of age and limb dominance on upper and lower limb muscle function in healthy males and females aged 40-80 years
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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