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Superior Indices of Neuromuscular Function in Elite Octogenarian Masters Athletes
Author(s) -
Filion MarieEve,
Spendiff Sally,
Taran Samantha,
Allen Matti,
Power Geoffrey,
Rice Charles,
Doherty Tim,
Morais Jose,
Hepple Russell,
Taivassalo Tanja
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.815.8
Subject(s) - athletes , elite , physical medicine and rehabilitation , elite athletes , medicine , physical therapy , function (biology) , biology , political science , evolutionary biology , politics , law
Aging is associated with a progressive deterioration of muscle mass and function that leads to greatest clinical impact in those 蠅80 y of age. Conversely, elite octogenarian masters athletes (MA) retain a remarkable degree of physical function. Because aging muscle is profoundly impacted by neuromuscular changes, we hypothesized that muscle of MAs would have attenuated changes in muscle morphology and neuromuscular function compared to non‐athlete (NA) controls.
Muscle biopsies of vastus lateralis muscle were obtained for analysis of fiber type grouping and fiber size in NA (n = 14, age: 81 ± 4 y) and elite MAs (n = 15, age: 80 ± 5 y). Motor unit number estimate, compound muscle action potential, and strength were conducted in the tibialis anterior muscle. Quadriceps area (QA) and strength (QS), and functional capacity (chair stand and stand‐up & go) were also measured.
Elite MAs exhibited greater QA (p = 0.015), QS (p = 0.013), and functional performance (p < 0.01) compared to NA. MAs had greater fiber size (p = 0.024), lower percentage of small fibers (< 2500µm; p = 0.031) and more fiber type grouping (p = 0.029) compared to NA. Furthermore, MAs had significantly greater motor unit number estimate and compound muscle action potential than NA. Consistent with our hypothesis, elite MAs exhibited not only superior indices of functional performance and muscle strength, but also better preserved muscle morphology and neuromuscular function including 1) fewer small fibers, 2) increased fiber type grouping (suggesting superior reinnervation), and 3) better retention of motor unit numbers versus NA.