Authors: Bryant, E. C.¹; Trew, M. E.¹; Bruce, A. M.²; Cheek, L.³

Source: Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 25, Number 7, May 2007 , pp. 835-842(8)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to examine knee extensor/flexor muscle strength and physical activity in healthy males and females approaching retirement. Peak torques of the knee extensor and knee flexor muscle groups were measured bilaterally in 95 individuals (mean age 59.4 years) using an isokinetic dynamometer. Isokinetic concentric contractions were performed at angular velocities of 1.05 and 3.14 rad · s-1. Physical activity, including household, leisure, and sporting activities, was assessed. The results show that the average peak torques exhibited were lower than previously reported in studies using the same methodology with different populations of similar age and body size. Over one-third of the participants were sedentary, with just 13% being active enough to obtain health benefits. The poor muscle strength and low physical activity of this self selecting group of healthy working adults were surprising, and potentially a cause for concern. The combination of retirement being a potential watershed for a decrease in physical activity and the known age-related decline in physical performance indicates that some of these participants are at risk of losing their functional independence fairly early in the retirement stage. We recommend the introduction of effective health promotion interventions for individuals approaching retirement, encouraging them to become more physically active.

Keywords: Peak torque; isokinetic; concentric; knee extensors/flexors; physical activity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640410600875077

Affiliations: 1: Clinical Research Centre for Health Professions, University of Brighton, Eastbourne 2: School of Engineering, 3: School of Computing, Mathematics and Information Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK

Publication date: 2007-05-01

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