Motor unit discharge behavior in older adults during maximal-effort contractions

摘要: A reduction in maximal force production is a common observation older individuals. In an effort to determine whether aging accompanied by reductions central motoneuron drive limiting motor performance, unit discharge records were obtained from seven young (21–33 yr) and (> 67 adults. Informed consent was all subjects. The task required the subject perform abduction of second digit under isometric conditions. Motor potentials first dorsal interosseous monitored using selective four-wire needle electrode identified off-line with aid Dantec electromyograph. rate adults (31.1 impulses/s) significantly smaller (P < 0.05) than that younger subjects (50.9 impulses/s). These findings suggest capability are partially due impaired ability fully surviving units.