Although reductions in resting H-reflex responses and maximal firing frequency suggest that reduced efferent drive may limit muscle strength in elderly, there are currently no reports of V-wave measurements in elderly, reflecting the magnitude of efferent output to the muscle during maximal contraction. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether potential age-related neural deficiencies can be restored by resistance training. We assessed evoked reflex recordings in the triceps surae muscles during rest and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), rate of force development (RFD), and muscle mass in seven elderly (74±6 years) males before and after 8 weeks of heavy resistance training, contrasted by seven young (24±4 years) male controls. At baseline, m. soleus (SOL) V/M ratio (0.124±0.082 vs. 0. 465±0.197, p<0.05)
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