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The article reports on results of a study designed to determine if age-related decline in rate of torque development during fast contractions is caused by lower neural activation and slower muscle contractile kinetics. A description of the experimental set-up and measurement method is presented. The study concluded that reduce motor unit discharge frequency does not impair the dorsiflexion torque producing during a maximal voluntary contraction.

The article examines the adaptations in motor unit (MU) and function in a lower limb muscle since age-related changes may vary specifically with the muscle group investigated. Ageing is usually associated with decreased motor control, muscle force and slowing of contractile properties. The method for recording single motor units is described. Changes in the characteristics of the MU population influence the ability to control force accurately.

The article compares muscle fatigability during concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions in young and elderly adults and determines the relative contribution of central and peripheral mechanisms to the decline in force. Standardized fatiguing exercises of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles are performed that involved either CON or ECC contractions. The main finding of the study was an age-related increase in fatigability during CON and ECC contractions, with a more pronounced effect for the latter contraction type.

Focuses on a study which examined the effects of fatigue on muscle mechanical properties and reflex activity in the human triceps surae during repetitive movements. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion and conclusion.