Training-related adaptations in motor unit discharge rate in young and older adults

This study evaluated changes in motor unit (MU) firing rates in young and older adults during exercise training.

Vastus lateralis MU discharge rates were measured in 8 young and 7 older adults. Each participant performed isometric knee extension contractions at 10%, 50%, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction or effort (MVC) on two separate occasions. Participants then completed a 6-week resistance exercise training protocol.

Significant increases in maximal force were observed as early as 1 week after the first baseline testing session, and these were accompanied by increases in the MU discharge rate. Exercise training increased maximal voluntary force by 29% and 36% in the young and older adults, respectively. Motor unit discharge rates at 100% of maximal effort were significantly greater in the young (24.7 pps) than in the older adults (17.8 pps). Furthermore, the young adults also exhibited significantly greater discharge rates at 50% MVC, but there were no differences at the 10% force level. Maximal MU discharge rates increased during the 1-week period separating the two initial testing sessions. After the 6-week training period, maximal MU discharge rates were 15% higher for the young adults and 49% higher for the older adults. No changes in discharge rates were observed for either group at 10% or 50% MVC after exercise training.

The early increase in maximal MU discharge rate with repeated maximal force assessment may comprise an important neural mechanism mediating early, rapid gains in muscular force capability.