Background: There is an age-related decline in respiratory and musculoskeletal function, irrespective of physical activity levels, but it is not known to what extent each system contributes to decreasing performance in ageing master track cyclists. Objective: To determine 1) whether the age-related rate of decline in respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength and muscle power in master track cyclists are uniform and 2) to what extent the respiratory and skeletal muscle system contribute most to the age-related reduction in athlete performance. Methods: Sixty men (mean age 61±11) and 15 women (mean age 50±12) master cyclists were recruited during the Track Cycling Masters World Championship 2019 in Manchester. Respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength were determined using spirometry and measurement of maximal mouth pressures, respectively. The architecture of the vastus lateralis muscle was determined using ultrasonography, and muscle power by countermovement jump. Results: Forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, fascicle length, muscle thickness, take-off velocity, jump power, jump power per body mass, handgrip strength, haemoglobin concentration and performance correlated negatively with age (p≤0.043). The age-related rate of decline did not differ significantly between parameters (p=0.124), but it was slower for haemoglobin concentration (p=0.041). Take-off velocity was the major determinant of performance in 200m, 500m and 2000m track cycling disciplines (R2adj=0.675, 0.786 and 0.769 respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary function, peripheral skeletal muscle function and cycling performance showed a similar relative age-related decline in master track cyclists. It appeared that the major determinant of performance in master track cycling was the take-off velocity during a countermovement jump.
Future Physiology 2021 (Virutal) (2021) Proc Physiol Soc 47, PC39
Poster Communications: Proportionate age-related declines in muscle strength, respiratory function and performance in Master Track Cyclists
Mohammad Z. Darabseh1, Pablo Ocana1, Kengo Ishihara2, Aseel Aburub3, Fabio Zambolin4, Gallin Montgomery4, Matteo Scorcelletti1, Bergita Ganse1, Hans Degens1, Liam Bagley1
1 Department of Life Sciences, Centre of Musculoskeletal Sciences and Sport Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom 2 Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University; Department of Food Sciences and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University , Manchester, United Kingdom 3 School of Allied Health Professions, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom 4 Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences, Centre of Musculoskeletal Sciences and Sport Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
View other abstracts by:
Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.