Short-term Effects of Static Stretching on Hamstring Passive Stiffness in Young and Older Women.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the acute effects of static stretching on hamstring passive stiffness in young and older women. A secondary objective was to compare hamstring muscle size and quality measurements (cross-sectional area and echo intensity) between the two groups and to determine if these characteristics are related to passive stiffness at baseline.

Methods: Fifteen young (23±4 years) and 15 older (73±5 years) women underwent two randomized conditions that included a control treatment and an experimental treatment of four, 15-s static stretches of the hamstrings.

Correcting for subcutaneous fat: Does it improve the correlation between vastus lateralis echo intensity and physical performance in older women?

Numerous studies have corrected the echo intensity of the vastus lateralis for subcutaneous fat thickness. However, it is unclear if correction for subcutaneous fat improves the correlation between vastus lateralis echo intensity and physical performance. We aimed to examine the correlations between vastus lateralis muscle morphology parameters and physical performance outcomes in older women.

Utility of peak torque and rate of torque development characteristics to identify walking performance ability in older women.

Objectives: It is unclear whether peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) measurements can characterize functional differences in older adults according to their performance on a six-minute walk test. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of isometric peak torque and RTD characteristics of the knee extensors to differentiate between functional status in older women who are able (higher functioning) versus those who are unable (lower functioning) to walk 550 m in six minutes.

Methods: Ten higher functioning (67±4 years) and 10 lower functioning (68±4 years) older women performed three isometric knee extension maximal voluntary contractions followed by a six-minute walk test.

The Acute Effects of Fast-Paced Walking on Isometric Peak Torque and Rate of Torque Development in Regularly Exercising and Inactive Older Women.

This study aimed to examine the acute effects of fast-paced walking on isometric peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) in regular exercising and inactive older women. Ten regular exercising (67 ± 4 years) and 10 inactive (68 ± 4 years) older women performed three isometric knee extension contractions before and after a control condition (quiet resting) and an experimental condition of fast-paced walking for 6 min. Peak torque and early (RTD100), late (RTD200), and maximum (peak RTD) RTD measurements were obtained from each contraction.

Age-Related Differences in Hip Flexion Maximal and Rapid Strength and Rectus Femoris Muscle Size and Composition.

This study aimed to examine the effects of age on hip flexion maximal and rapid strength and rectus femoris (RF) muscle size and composition in men. Fifteen young (25 [3] y) and 15 older (73 [4] y) men performed isometric hip flexion contractions to examine peak torque and absolute and normalized rate of torque development (RTD) at time intervals of 0 to 100 and 100 to 200 milliseconds. Ultrasonography was used to examine RF muscle cross-sectional area and echo intensity.

Real-time measurement of isometric peak torque and rate of torque development using a novel strength testing device: a validity and reliability study.

: Isometric peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) are important characteristics relevant to athletic performance. A novel device called the Dynamo Torque Analyzer calculates and displays real-time measurements of isometric PT and RTD. However, the ability of the Dynamo to provide valid and reliable isometric PT and RTD measurements similar to those of an isokinetic dynamometer remains unclear.

Effects of age on vertical jump performance and muscle morphology characteristics in females.

Background: Declines in muscle morphology and function are commonly reported as a consequence of aging. However, few studies have investigated the influence of age on a comprehensive set of muscle function-related measures (i.e.

The time course of passive stiffness responses following an acute bout of static stretching in healthy, elderly men.

Background: The time course of passive stiffness responses following an acute bout of static stretching has received little research attention, particularly in older adults.

Objective: To determine the time course of the acute effects of static stretching on passive stiffness of the hamstrings in healthy, elderly men.

Methods: Fifteen elderly men (age = 70 ± 7 years) underwent two randomized conditions that included a control treatment and an experimental treatment of four, 15-s straight-leg raise static stretches.

Relationships between hamstring morphological characteristics and postural balance in elderly men.

Objectives: The link between hamstring morphology and postural balance performance in older adults is not well understood. This study aimed to examine the relationships between hamstring morphological characteristics of muscle size (cross-sectional area [CSA]) and quality (echo intensity [EI]) and postural balance with the eyes open and closed in elderly men.

Methods: Nineteen healthy elderly men (age= 73±4 years) participated in this study.