Relationships among age-associated strength changes and physical activity level, limb dominance, and muscle group in women

This study investigated the magnitude and rate of age-associated strength r eductions in Australian independent urban-dwelling women and the relationsh ip to muscle groups, limb dominance, and physical activity level, Independe nt urban-dwelling women aged 20 to 89 years (N = 217) performed maximal vol untary contractions with the dominant and nondominant knee extensors, plant ar flexors, and handgrip, Anthropometric measurements: were made and questi onnaire responses used to obtain current physical activity levels. Trend an alysis within analysis of variance and regression analysis on strength was performed. Limb muscle strength was found to be associated with increased a ge, muscle group, limb dominance, and activity. self-reported physical acti vity levels declined with age but women who were more physically active fur their age group were stronger in all muscle groups and had more lean body mass and lean thigh and leg cross-sectional area than relatively inactive w omen. Slopes of the linear reductions of maximal voluntary strength of the knee extensors, plantar flexors, and handgrip with age were significantly d ifferent (p < .05) at 9.3%, 7.4%, and 6.2% per decade, respectively, The li mb muscle strength of healthy Australian independent and urban-dwelling wom en aged 20 to 89 years was found to be associated with age and three aspect s of disuse: muscle group, relative levels of physical activity, and limb d ominance.