Effect of aging on muscle and tendon properties in highly functioning elderly people

Abstract

This study analyzes long‐term changes in muscle strength, muscle architecture, and patellar tendon mechanical properties in a specific sample of physically active elderly people. Twenty‐two participants were re‐examined from a former 12‐week‐long skiing intervention study: 11 from the intervention group (IG: 7 ♀, 4 ♂; 67 ± 3 years) and 11 from the control group (CG: 6 ♀, 5 ♂; 66 ± 4 years). Muscle architecture, strength endurance, maximum torque, and tendon properties were analyzed three times within 6 months, and again 6 years later in a follow‐up test. No changes in either group could be observed between June 2009 and April 2015 in any parameter. This can be interpreted positively because no age‐related decreases were found. Although our participants were physically active from the very beginning (>150 min/wk), it must be noted that the intensity of the physical activity was too low to provoke physiological improvements in leg strength or muscle/tendon morphology.

The biological and psychosocial aspects of successful aging in high functional elders: A longitudinal study

“…In a third manuscript, Amesberger et al focus on long‐term changes in parameters of self‐perception (ie, physical self‐concept, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy), physical activity, and its relationship to physical fitness of healthy and active old adults, revealing a complex interaction between self‐perception variables, fitness, and aging. In the fourth manuscript, Pötzelsberger et al report the stability of muscle strength, muscle architecture, and patellar tendon mechanical properties after 6‐year follow‐up. Greater intensity and volumes of physical activity may be required above 65 years of age to elicit improvements in muscle‐tendon mechanical properties .…”