Effect of training on muscle strength and motor function in the elderly

Overall muscle strength and mass decline 30-50 % between the ages of 30 and 80. The loss of muscle mass, the so called sarcopenia, accounts for most of the observed loss of strength. A reduced specific muscle force has also been observed but its contribution to the decrease in strength with age remains unclear. The loss of muscle tissue is due to a decrease in the number of muscle fibres and atrophy of the type II muscle fibres. The declining strength reduces the capacity to carry out basic activities of daily life and puts people at risk for falls and dependence. Resistive strength training greatly increases muscle strength even in very old people. It produces muscle fibre hypertrophy and improves neural factors involved in force production. The recovered strength in turn enhances the physical performance and allows a more active and independent life towards the end of the life span. (C) Inra/Elsevier, Paris.