Physiologypreliminary · human dataDiscovery of the day
Pooling 48 studies, a meta-analysis found older adults had markedly lower maximal strength than younger adults (SMD -1.01) alongside lower motor unit discharge rates, especially at high forces, plus greater discharge variability and lower relative recruitment thresholds. The authors suggest altered motor unit behaviour contributes at least partly to age-related strength loss.
What it shows: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 cross-sectional studies comparing older with younger adults, so it shows age-group differences rather than tracking individuals over time, and cannot establish that motor unit changes cause the strength loss.Review · Neurobiol Aging