The effect of ageing and strength training on skeletal muscle

The present review describes several age related changes in the neuromuscular system of humans and animals which may underlie the marked strength decline of ageing muscle. Studies describing the effects of resistance training on the muscle strength of ageing humans and animals are also reviewed. From a survey of these studies, the strength decline with age appears to be due, in part, to a loss of muscle mass. While not conclusive, the effect of resistance training has been to attenuate the extent of the atrophy occurring with age, and to improve strength. A better understanding of the neuromuscular mechanisms of ageing, as well as the adaptive response of ageing mammalian muscle to resistance training, could enable physical therapists to critically evaluate the merits of strength training intervention for improving the physical ability of an ageing individual.