Three different motor task strategies to assess neuromuscular adjustments during fatiguing muscle contractions in young and older men

Abstract

Healthy aging is associated with a marked decline in motor performance. The functional consequences of applying varying novel or unexpected motor stimuli during intermittent isometric prolonged (fatiguing) motor tasks for lower limb neuromuscular fatigability and steadiness, perception of effort, and blood markers of stress in healthy aged men compared with young men have not been investigated. The participants in this study were 15 young men (aged 22 ± 4 years) and 10 older men (aged 67 ± 6 years). They performed 100 intermittent isometric knee extensions under three experimental conditions involving intermittent isometric contraction tasks according to constant, predictable, and unpredictable torque target sequences. The variability in maximal voluntary contraction averaged 50%, and was 25, 50, and 75% for the three strategies. All included a 5-s contraction and 20-s rest. The main variables were measured before exercise, after 100 repetitions, and 1 h after exercise. In all experimental trials, the decreases in the maximal voluntary contraction and central activation ratio, and the increases in effort sensation and muscle temperature, were smaller in older men than in younger men. The coefficient of variation during the motor performance did not differ between age groups. However, in all three strategies, the dopamine concentration was significantly higher in older than in younger men. The prolactin concentration did not differ significantly between age groups or conditions, although its decrease during loading correlated negatively with the central activation ratio.

Age‐related differences in the neuromuscular performance of fatigue‐provoking exercise under severe whole‐body hyperthermia conditions

“…Neuromuscular drive in older males during daily activities operates at slower rates due to an age-related decline in neuromuscular structural and functional properties, and because of a consequent reduction in the resting metabolic rate, and lower rectal (~0.5°C), skin (~1.3°C), and muscle (~1.3°C) temperatures. 3,27,75,76 Evidence indicates that the recovery/restoration of these body temperatures can still improve/restore neuromuscular performance of brief duration in older adults. 27,76 Indeed, previously we have shown a greater whole-body hyperthermia-induced acceleration of spinal and supraspinal excitability in the transmission of neural drive, along with faster muscle contractions and electrically induced torque production in older males.…”

“…Neuromuscular drive in older males during daily activities operates at slower rates due to an age‐related decline in neuromuscular structural and functional properties, and because of a consequent reduction in the resting metabolic rate, and lower rectal (~0.5°C), skin (~1.3°C), and muscle (~1.3°C) temperatures 3,27,75,76 . Evidence indicates that the recovery/restoration of these body temperatures can still improve/restore neuromuscular performance of brief duration in older adults 27,76 .…”