Skeletal muscle architecture and aging: A comparison of ultrasound techniques and an assessment of intrarater reliability.

Objective: To assess intrarater reliability of ultrasound-determined measurements of skeletal muscle characteristics across different measurement outcomes, imaging techniques, and age groups.

Methods: 2D ultrasound images (B-mode) of the quadriceps were obtained from young (26 ± 4 year, n = 8 M, 8 F) and older (70 ± 7 year, n = 7 M, 5 F) adults on two occasions, separated by 6 ± 3 days. With participants in both standing and supine postures, images were collected from five anatomical sites along the anterior (two sites) and lateral (three sites) compartments of the thigh corresponding to 56%, 39%, and 22% (lateral only) of femur length.

Comparison of constant load exercise intensity for verification of maximal oxygen uptake following a graded exercise test in older adults.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO max) declines with advancing age and is a predictor of morbidity and mortality risk. The purpose here was to assess the utility of constant load tests performed either above or below peak work rate obtained from a graded exercise test for verification of VO max in older adults. Twenty-two healthy older adults (9M, 13F, 67 ± 6 years, BMI: 26.