Age-related changes in the effects of strength training on lower leg muscles in healthy individuals measured using MRI
Psatha, M; Wu, Z; Gammie, F; et al.Ratkevicius, A; Wackerhage, H; Redpath, TW; Gilbert, FJ; Meakin, JR; Aspden, RM
Date: 20 July 2017
Article
Journal
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Background: We previously measured the rate of
regaining muscle strength during rehabilitation of
lower leg muscles in patients following lower leg
casting. Our primary aim in this study was to measure
the rate of gain of strength in healthy individuals
undergoing a similar training regime. Our secondary
aim was to test the ...
Background: We previously measured the rate of
regaining muscle strength during rehabilitation of
lower leg muscles in patients following lower leg
casting. Our primary aim in this study was to measure
the rate of gain of strength in healthy individuals
undergoing a similar training regime. Our secondary
aim was to test the ability of MRI to provide a
biomarker for muscle function.
Methods: Men and women were recruited in three age
groups: 20–30, 50–65 and over 70 years. Their
response to resistance training of the right lower leg
twice a week for 8 weeks was monitored using a
dynamometer and MRI of tibialis anterior, soleus and
gastrocnemius muscles at 2 weekly intervals to
measure muscle size (anatomical cross-sectional area
(ACSA)) and quality (T2 relaxation). Forty-four
volunteers completed the study.
Results: Baseline strength declined with age. Training
had no effect in middle-aged females or in elderly men
in dorsiflexion. Other groups significantly increased
both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion strength at rates
up to 5.5 N m week-1 in young females in
plantarflexion and 1.25 N m week-1 in young males in
dorsiflexion. No changes were observed in ACSA or T2
in any age group in any muscle.
Conclusion: Exercise training improves muscle
strength in males at all ages except the elderly in
dorsiflexion. Responses in females were less clear with
variation across age and muscle groups. These results
were not reflected in simple MRI measures that do not,
therefore, provide a good biomarker for muscle
atrophy or the efficacy of rehabilitation
Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0