Power output and muscle myosin heavy chain composition in young and elderly men

Pearson, S; Cobbold, M; Orrell, RW; Harridge, SDR

Abstract

Purpose: Aging is associated with a decline in muscle volume, power output, and the velocity at which peak power (Vopt) occurs. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between lower-limb power output characteristics, muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition, and lean limb volume. Methods: Lower-limb power output during repeated efforts on an inertial sprint cycle and single-leg thrusts on the modified Nottingham power rig was studied in seven young and seven old males in relation to muscle MHC isoform composition of the vastus lateralis. Results: Older subjects produced significantly lower power outputs and Vopt under all conditions (P < 0.01) and had lower proportions of fast MHC isoforms (P < 0.05). Peak power output during cycling was significantly related to lower-limb lean volume (r = 0.92, P < 0.05), whereas Vopt during sprint cycling was closely related to vastus lateralis MHC-II composition (r = 0.80, P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results provide further evidence of the importance of fast myosin isoform composition in the maintenance of dynamic muscle function in later life and particularly for maximal cycling performance.

Citation

Pearson, S., Cobbold, M., Orrell, R., & Harridge, S. (2006). Power output and muscle myosin heavy chain composition in young and elderly men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(9), 1601-1607. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000227638.75983.9d

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 1, 2006
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: Aug 9, 2007
• Journal: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
• Print ISSN: 0195-9131
• Electronic ISSN: 1530-0315
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 1601-1607
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000227638.75983.9d
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000227638.75983.9d
• Related Public URLs: http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/pages/default.aspx