Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Power output and muscle myosin heavy chain composition in young and elderly men
Stephen J Pearson1, Matthew Cobbold, Richard W Orrell
1Department of Physiology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London,United Kingdom. s.pearson@salford.ac.uk
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Actin and Myosin in Muscle Contraction
Overview of Myosin Structure and Function
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...

