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Human neuromuscular structure and function in old age: A brief review
Geoffrey A Power1, Brian H Dalton2, Charles L Rice3
1Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Journal of Sport and Health Science
|March 25, 2016
Summary
Natural aging leads to muscle mass loss (sarcopenia) primarily from motor unit decline. This results in weaker, slower muscle contractions and increased fatigability in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Natural adult aging is linked to neuromuscular functional impairments.
- Sarcopenia, the loss of contractile muscle mass, is a key age-related alteration.
- This decline stems from motor unit loss and muscle fiber atrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review motor unit loss in natural adult aging.
- To examine age-related fatigability.
- To discuss age-related differences in muscle strength.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on aging, neuromuscular function, and sarcopenia.
- Analysis of studies on motor unit changes with age.
- Examination of research on muscle fiber type and myosin heavy chain isoform expression.
Main Results:
- Aging causes a progressive loss of motor units, leading to sarcopenia.
- Alterations in muscle fiber type and myosin heavy chain isoforms contribute to reduced muscle strength and power.
- Increased fatigability is a significant consequence of neuromuscular aging.
Conclusions:
- Motor unit loss is a primary driver of age-related muscle mass and strength decline.
- Changes in muscle fiber characteristics exacerbate functional impairments in aging.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing age-related neuromuscular dysfunction.
Keywords:
AgingEccentricForceMotor unitMuscle atrophyPowerResidual force enhancementSarcopeniaVelocityMore Related Videos
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