Longitudinal decline of lower extremity muscle power in healthy and mobility-limited older adults: influence of muscle mass strength composition neuromuscular activation and single fiber contractile properties

摘要

PurposeThis longitudinal study examined the major physiological mechanisms that determine the age-related loss of lower extremity muscle power in two distinct groups of older humans. We hypothesized that after ~ 3 years of follow-up, mobility-limited older adults (mean age: 77.2 ± 4, n = 22, 12 females) would have significantly greater reductions in leg extensor muscle power compared to healthy older adults (74.1 ± 4, n = 26, 12 females).