The effects of ageing on muscle strength and function: A review of the literature

Abstract

This review addresses muscle strength and function in the elderly. Changes in muscle mass, muscle fibre number, muscle fibre size, and the neuromuscular association occur with ageing. An age-related decline in strength accompanies these changes. Studies examining the relationship between physical activity and strength reveal that muscular strength is somewhat preserved in active elderly individuals when compared to a sedentary elderly population. In studies comparing younger versus older individuals, it has been reported that the trained older subjects were able to generate torque values similar to a younger control group. Other researchers have cited similar abilities to improve strength among older individuals. The ability to function safely may be compromised in the elderly population. Several studies have reported changes in balance, conditioning and strength which may lead to an increased prevalence of falls. A decreased ability to perform activities of daily living has also been cited among the elderly. There is not a great deal of the literature that examines the relationship between muscle strength and function among the elderly. Studies have utilised time as a measure of functional ability. However, when time is used as the objective measure, it does not offer a qualitative assessment of enhanced function.