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Updated: May 8, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Cross-sectional assessment of neuromuscular function using mechanography in women and men aged 20-85 years
1Centre of Muscle and Bone Research, Charite-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany. roswitha.dietzel@charite.de
Objectives:
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the influence of age and sex on neuromuscular function of the lower limbs using mechanography. 704 adults aged 20-85 years from Germany participated in this study.
Methods:
Ground reaction force and power were assessed with countermovement jumps and the chair rising test on a ground reactions force plate.
Results:
While ground reaction force per unit body mass declined by about 20% from the third to the ninth decade, the decline of power per unit body mass was much greater, varying between 40-50%. Men and women are affected equally by the decline. Age and sex explained the variability of the power parameters to a much greater extent (R(2)=0.54 to R(2)=0.70) than the force parameters (R(2)=0.18 to R(2)=0.36).
Conclusions:
Our reference values can help to identify those who might be affected by the development of sarcopenia. Preventive exercise programs should focus on preserving muscle power in addition to the training of muscle force.
