The Influence of Age on Isokinetic Torque of the Upper and Lower Leg Musculature in Sedentary Men

Abstract

While strength patterns in aging for the knee joint have been well investigated in the concentric mode, few data are available about the behaviour in the eccentric mode and for either modus in the ankle. The purpose of this study was to compile reference data for the lower extremities in untrained men between 20 and 60 years of age to determine the influence of age, especially in the eccentric work mode. Sixty-four male subjects between 20 and 60 years were divided into four age groups. Using a LIDO ACTIVE dynamometer, maximum torque was tested for the knee between 90 degrees to 0 degrees and for the ankle between 30 degrees to -10 degrees at velocities 60, 180, 240, 300 degrees/s concentric, 60 and 120 degrees/s eccentric and isometric with angles 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees for the knee and 30 degrees, 20 degrees, 10 degrees, 0 degrees , -10 degrees for the ankle. Individual parameters for age-dependence were checked using linear correlation calculation with p < 0.01 set as significant. The peak torque (PT) of the knee extensors and flexors showed a typical course with the highest values in the eccentric and isometric mode and a decrease in the concentric mode with increasing angular velocity. In the concentric mode there was a significant negative correlation between PT and age at all angular velocities, but none for isometric and eccentric mode. The greatest maximum torque in the ankle was attained in the eccentric mode at 60 degrees/s. The difference to the knee was smallest in this mode compared to isometric and concentric. The plantar flexion showed age-dependence at all concentric velocities, less in eccentric and none in isometric mode. There was no correlation in dorsiflexion. The influence of loss of muscle fiber and degeneration in the course of aging has thus less influence in eccentric measurements than in the concentric mode. On the contrary, it must be assumed that the high eccentric tensions which are possible due to the quasi-elastic structures in the muscle, are maintained by the increase in stiffness of the connective tissue.

Preservation of eccentric strength in older adults: Evidence, mechanisms and implications for training and rehabilitation

“…Numerous cross-sectional comparative studies have provided evidence of the relative maintenance of eccentric torque (Horstmann et al, 1999;Hortobagyi et al, 1995;Klass et al, 2005;Porter et al, 1997;Porter et al, 1995;Poulin et al, 1992;Pousson et al, 2001;Vandervoort et al, 1990) and strength (Phillips et al, 1998) in healthy older adults in spite of overall reductions in muscle contractile capacity. For the purposes of this review, muscle torque is defined as the rotatory effect of a force (force x moment arm) assessed with an isokinetic device, while strength is simply the magnitude of force that a muscle can produce (Enoka, 2002).…”

“…A detailed description of the studies that support the evidence of the preservation of eccentric strength, including participants' characteristics, muscle groups tested, methods of normalization and magnitude of strength deficits is outlined in table 1. In short, these studies compare muscle torque (Horstmann et al, 1999;Hortobagyi et al, 1995;Klass et al, 2005;Porter et al, 1997;Porter et al, 1995;Poulin et al, 1992;Pousson et al, 2001;Vandervoort et al, 1990) or strength (Phillips et al, 1998) values between groups of young and older individuals to determine whether age-related deficits in strength are consistent across different types of muscle contractions.…”

“…In contrast, dynamic muscle contractions can be divided into concentric contractions, involving the shortening of the muscle, and eccentric contractions, consisting of the active lengthening of the muscle by external forces. While it is well accepted that there is a progressive decline in muscle strength with aging, recent studies report a relative preservation of the capacity to produce eccentric torque (Horstmann et al, 1999;Hortobagyi et al, 1995;Klass et al, 2005;Porter et al, 1997;Porter et al, 1995;Poulin et al, 1992;Pousson et al, 2001;Vandervoort et al, 1990) and strength (Phillips et al, 1998), in older adults. In other words, when the age-related reduction of contractile capacity is considered in terms of different types of muscle contractions, the degree to which concentric and isometric strength is reduced is more pronounced than eccentric strength ( fig.…”

Especificidade da atividade mioelétrica no agachamento excêntrico declinado em 25º e no agachamento padrão com diferentes sobrecargas

“…Antes do posicionamento dos eletrodos de EMG, foi realizada a tricotomia da pele e limpeza com álcool isopropil, visando reduzir a impedância (16) . Para reduzir a influência dos artefatos de movimento na atividade mioelétrica, os cabos dos eletrodos foram fixados à pele do executante por meio de fita adesiva hipoalergênica (3M Ltda., Brasil).…”

Isokinetic Dynamometry in Elderly Women Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparative Study

“…14,15 Isokinetic dynamometry is currently one of the most accurate methods of muscle assessment. 16,17 Nevertheless, in addition to noting that few papers have been published on isokinetic dynamometry in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, it is worth noting the heterogeneity and existence of methodological problems (such as the lack of separate presentations of isokinetic dynamometry values for men and women) and controversial issues found in most of those papers.…”