Michael Ro
Tue, Aug-13-02, 00:02
Here is an abstract of some interesting (??) research into how
ageing affects the human neuromuscular system.
Maybe if one Xtrains the muscles, like Denise Howard, AFAA,
ACE, Music Director With a Plastic Step (MDPS), we can reverse
this process.
LOL!
----------------------
Muscle Nerve 2002 Jan; 25(1):17-25
Aging of the human neuromuscular system
Vandervoort AA
Loss of cells from the motor system occurs during the normal
aging process, leading to reduction in the complement of motor
neurons and muscle fibers. The latter age-related decrease in
muscle mass has been termed "sarcopenia" and is often combined
with the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle in older
adults, leading to a significant reduction in reserve capacity
of the neuromuscular system, which is the primary subject of
this review.
Clear evidence of this aging effect is seen when voluntary or
stimulated muscle strength is compared across the adult
lifespan, with a steady decline of approximately 1-2% per
year occurring after the sixth decade. Interestingly, when
compared with isometric contractions, the effect of aging is
more pronounced for concentric movements and less for
eccentric movements (i.e., muscle shortening versus
lengthening). This phenomenon appears to be linked to the
stiffer muscle structures and prolonged myosin crossbridge
cycles of aged muscles.
It is encouraging that the capability of physiological
adaptations in the motor pathways remains into very old age -
when an appropriate exercise stimulus is given - and
long-term prevention strategies are advocated to avoid
excessive physical impairments and activity restrictions in
this age group.
ageing affects the human neuromuscular system.
Maybe if one Xtrains the muscles, like Denise Howard, AFAA,
ACE, Music Director With a Plastic Step (MDPS), we can reverse
this process.
LOL!
----------------------
Muscle Nerve 2002 Jan; 25(1):17-25
Aging of the human neuromuscular system
Vandervoort AA
Loss of cells from the motor system occurs during the normal
aging process, leading to reduction in the complement of motor
neurons and muscle fibers. The latter age-related decrease in
muscle mass has been termed "sarcopenia" and is often combined
with the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle in older
adults, leading to a significant reduction in reserve capacity
of the neuromuscular system, which is the primary subject of
this review.
Clear evidence of this aging effect is seen when voluntary or
stimulated muscle strength is compared across the adult
lifespan, with a steady decline of approximately 1-2% per
year occurring after the sixth decade. Interestingly, when
compared with isometric contractions, the effect of aging is
more pronounced for concentric movements and less for
eccentric movements (i.e., muscle shortening versus
lengthening). This phenomenon appears to be linked to the
stiffer muscle structures and prolonged myosin crossbridge
cycles of aged muscles.
It is encouraging that the capability of physiological
adaptations in the motor pathways remains into very old age -
when an appropriate exercise stimulus is given - and
long-term prevention strategies are advocated to avoid
excessive physical impairments and activity restrictions in
this age group.