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Neuromuscular mechanics and hopping training in elderly
Merja Hoffrén-Mikkola1, Masaki Ishikawa, Timo Rantalainen
1Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland, merja.hoffren@jyu.fi.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|December 7, 2014
Summary
Repetitive hopping training enhances jumping height and rapid force production in elderly men by optimizing muscle fascicle and tendon function. This training improves performance through shorter muscle operating lengths and better tendon utilization.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in muscle function and rapid force production.
- Maintaining physical performance in the elderly is crucial for independent living and quality of life.
- Understanding the neuromuscular adaptations to training in older adults is essential for developing effective exercise interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of repetitive hopping training on muscle activation and fascicle-tendon interaction in elderly men.
- To determine how hopping training influences ankle joint stiffness, contact time, and jumping performance.
- To elucidate the adaptations in gastrocnemius medialis (GaM) fascicle and Achilles tendon mechanics during hopping.
Main Methods:
- 20 physically active elderly men were divided into a training group (TG) and a control group (CG).
- The TG underwent supervised bilateral short contact hopping training for 11 weeks with progressive volume increases.
- Measurements included ultrasonography of GaM fascicle and Achilles tendon, electromyography (EMG) of calf muscles, kinematics, and kinetics before and after training (2 and 11 weeks).
Main Results:
- Hopping training increased ankle joint stiffness by 21.0% and decreased contact time by 9.4% after 2 weeks.
- Jumping height increased by 56.2% and tendon forces by 24.3% from 2 to 11 weeks in the TG.
- GaM fascicles operated at shorter lengths post-training, indicating increased fascicle stiffness and improved tendon utilization, with no changes in EMG amplitudes.
Conclusions:
- 11 weeks of hopping training significantly improves jumping performance and rapid force production in physically active elderly men.
- Training adaptations include shorter GaM fascicle operating lengths, leading to increased fascicle stiffness and enhanced tendon utilization.
- Hopping training is a viable recommendation for healthy, fit elderly individuals to maintain and improve their capacity for rapid force production.
