Assessment of the knee flexor and extensor muscles in older people according to their previous physical activity level

Abstract

The aim of our study was assessment maximum muscle belly radial displacement (Dm) and normalized response velocity (Vrn) of the Vastus Lateralis (VL), Vastus Medialis (VM), Rectus Femoris (RF) and Biceps Femoris (BF) by Tensiomyography (TMG), in two groups of similar age but with previous physical activity levels differently. The study comprised 47 men divided into two groups of similar age but different physical activity levels: 21 adults with moderate physical activity (56,2 +/- 4,16) and 26 exprofessional football players from Union Deportiva Las Palmas in the First Division (61,7 +/- 6,81). The data obtained show a muscular response speed (Vrn) better in exprofessional football players group, for both VL and for BF. Shown more clearly in the BF, being statistically significant in the right leg (p <0.02) and showed a trend in the left leg. On the other hand, the maximum muscle belly radial displacement (Dm) or stiffness also shows differences between the groups. Being observed that the exprofessional football players group have a higher muscular stiffness in VL and BF. Being more clearly in BF, with statistically significant differences in the right leg (p <0.003).