Muscle strength and metabolism in master athletes

Abstract : Knee extensor muscle strength and metabolism were examined in endurance trained young versus master athletes (10 elderly: 63.1 ± 2.3 yr and 10 young : 28.7 ± 3.2 yr). Before and immediately after a resistance strength training (RST) session, subjects performed maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) and a 10-min cycling test at a moderate intensity. During MVC, evoked contractions of the knee extensor muscles were performed to assess neuromuscular properties. Metabolism was assessed using oxygen uptake kinetics model. Before the RST session, master athletes show lower knee extensors MVC than young subjects without any difference in oxygen uptake kinetics. After the RST session, a similar effect of fatigue was observed on muscular properties and oxygen uptake kinetics whatever the group. Our results suggest the ability of master athletes to perform exercise at a given intensity is maintained despite a significant loss in strength with ageing.