PEAK ANAEROBIC POWER IN ELDERLY MEN

The relationship of maximal anaerobic power (P-max) of the quadriceps muscle and corresponding optimal shortening velocity (v(opt)) with age , habitual physical activity (PA) and maximal oxygen consumption ((V) over dot O-2max) were assessed in 37 healthy order [71.1 (SD 3.8) year s] men and compared to those of 16 young [22.7 (SD 3.4) years] men. Th e PA was evaluated using a questionnaire, The P-max and v(opt) were me asured on a friction loaded non-isokinetic cycle ergometer. The P-max was expressed relative to body mass -P-max.kg-1, and relative to the m ass of the two quadriceps muscles - P-max . kgquad-1. The decline of P -max.kg-1 from youth to advanced age (8.3% per decade) was greater tha n the decrease in quadriceps muscle mass (3.8% per decade), in P-max.k gquad-1 (5.9% per decade) and in v(opt) (4.3% per decade). In the olde r men, a negative relationship of P-max.kg-1 (r = -0.33) and P-max.kgq uad-1 (r = -0.44) with age was found. Ergometer measurements were not correlated with PA activity indices or (V) over dot O-2max, while (V) over dot O-2max, was positively associated with PA. In a multiple step wise regression analysis age was the only variable that contributed si gnificantly to Pmax.kg-1 and P-max.kgquad-1 variances. Our findings in dicated that in these healthy elderly men, unlike the fall in (V) over dot O-2max, habitual PA did not attenuate the decline in P-max of the quadriceps muscle with age, This finding was different from a previou sly described relationship in older women and would suggest sex differ ences in determining P-max in healthy older subjects.