Citation

Szpala A, Rutkowska-Kucharska A. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56(6): E147-E153.

Affiliation

Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/mus.25647

PMID

28321884

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare electromechanical response times (total reaction time, TRT; pre-motor time, PMT; electromechanical delay) in the knee muscles in groups of young and older women during release of peak torque (PT).

METHODS: Fifty women (one group approximately 20 years of age and the other approximately 60) participated in the study. PT and electromyographic activity were measured for flexors and extensors of the right and left knee in static conditions in response to a visual stimulus.

RESULTS: Significantly longer TRTs (p=0.05) and PMTs (p=0.05) were found in the group of older women compared to the younger participants. Asymmetry was found between the older and the younger group of women in PT of knee flexors.

DISCUSSION: Significantly longer TRT and PMT phases in the group of older women suggests a longer time for information processing in the central nervous system in older people. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

age; electromechanical delay; female; pre-motor time; symmetry; total reaction time