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Immobilization effects in young and older adults
M L Urso1, P M Clarkson, T B Price
1Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, 30 Eastman Lane, 110 Totman Building, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA. murso@excsci.umass.edu
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Muscle disuse affects older men (OM) more than young men (YM) in terms of muscle volume loss, but both groups experience similar strength declines. Activation strategies may help preserve strength in older adults during atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Muscle disuse leads to atrophy and strength loss.
- Aging exacerbates muscle loss and functional decline.
- Understanding age-related differences in muscle response to disuse is crucial for interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of 2-week immobilization on the adductor pollicis muscle in young men (YM) and old men (OM).
- To assess age-related differences in muscle strength, activation, and volume following disuse.
Main Methods:
- Assessed maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and muscle volume of the adductor pollicis.
- Immobilized the muscle for 2 weeks in both YM and OM.
- Analyzed changes in MVC, CMAP, and volume post-immobilization.
Main Results:
- MVC decreased by ~22% in both YM and OM.
- Adductor pollicis volume decreased significantly only in OM (9.5%).
- CMAP increased in OM post-immobilization, but not in YM.
- YM showed a greater decrease in specific force compared to OM.
Conclusions:
- Both young and old men experience significant strength loss after 2 weeks of disuse.
- Older men are more susceptible to immediate muscle volume loss.
- Muscle activation strategies may play a role in preserving strength during atrophy in older adults.
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