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Age-related effects on maximal and rapid hamstrings/quadriceps strength capacities and vertical jump power in young and older females

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Abstract

Background and aims

Declines in hamstrings and quadriceps maximal and rapid strength are commonly reported as a consequence of aging; however, few studies have investigated the influence of age on maximal and rapid hamstrings to quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratios. This study aimed to examine the effects of age on leg extension and flexion maximal and rapid torque production, H/Q strength ratios, and muscle power in healthy, young and old females.

Methods

Fifteen young (21 ± 2 years) and 15 old (69 ± 7 years) females performed 3 isometric leg extension and flexion maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), from which peak torque (PT), early (0–30 ms) and late (0–200 ms) phase rate of torque development (RTD), and PT and RTD H/Q strength ratios were extracted. Lower-body peak power output (P max) was assessed through a vertical jump test.

Results

P max, PT, and early (RTD30) and late (RTD200) RTD variables of the leg extensors and flexors were lower (P ≤ 0.048) and PT and RTD200 H/Q strength ratios were higher (P ≤ 0.030) in the old compared to the younger females; however, no difference was observed for RTD30 H/Q (P = 0.300). There were also significant negative relationships in the older (r = −0.616 and −0.522; P = 0.014 and 0.046) but not the younger (r = 0.295 and −0.109; P = 0.286 and 0.698) females between P max and RTD30 and RTD200 H/Q strength ratios.

Conclusion

The higher RTD200 H/Q ratio for the older females may contribute to the muscle power deficits often observed in elderly populations. Practitioners may use these findings to help identify older adults with low muscle power capacities and possibly overall functional decline.

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Acknowledgements

There was no funding received for this study. We would like to thank Tara Henderson, Rachel Pesarchick, Travis Ritt, and Melvin Stitt for their dedication and invaluable assistance with this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Ty B. Palmer

  2. School of Health Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA

    Brittany N. Followay

  3. Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA

    Brennan J. Thompson

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  1. Ty B. Palmer
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  2. Brittany N. Followay
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  3. Brennan J. Thompson
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Correspondence to Ty B. Palmer.

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On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

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All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the university’s institutional review board for human subject’s research.

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Each participant gave informed consent prior to the study.

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Palmer, T.B., Followay, B.N. & Thompson, B.J. Age-related effects on maximal and rapid hamstrings/quadriceps strength capacities and vertical jump power in young and older females. Aging Clin Exp Res 29, 1231–1239 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0734-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0734-7

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