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

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

Authors

M Cobbold

RW Orrell

SDR Harridge



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



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