Basic Science Research
Electromechanical response times in the knee muscles in young and old women
Agnieszka Szpala PhD,
Alicja Rutkowska-Kucharska PhD,
Corresponding Author
Agnieszka Szpala PhD
Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, al. I.J, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Correspondence to: A. Szpala; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAlicja Rutkowska-Kucharska PhD
Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, al. I.J, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Search for more papers by this authorAgnieszka Szpala PhD,
Alicja Rutkowska-Kucharska PhD,
Corresponding Author
Agnieszka Szpala PhD
Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, al. I.J, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Correspondence to: A. Szpala; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAlicja Rutkowska-Kucharska PhD
Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, al. I.J, Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Search for more papers by this authorABSTRACT
Introduction
The aim of the study was to compare electromechanical response times [total reaction time (TRT), pre-motor time (PMT), and electromechanical delay] in the knee muscles in groups of young and older women during release of peak torque (PT).
Methods
Fifty women (1 group approximately 20 years of age and the other approximately 60 years of age) participated in the study. PT and electromyographic activity were measured for flexors and extensors of the right and left knee in static conditions in response to a visual stimulus.
Results
Significantly longer TRTs (P = 0.05) and PMTs (P = 0.05) were found in the group of older women compared with the younger participants. Asymmetry was found between the older and the younger group of women in PT of knee flexors.
Discussion
Significantly longer TRT and PMT phases in the group of older women suggests a longer time for information processing in the central nervous system in older people. Muscle Nerve 56: E147–E153, 2017
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