Electromechanical response times in the knee muscles in young and old women.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare electromechanical response times [total reaction time (TRT), pre-motor time (PMT), and electromechanical delay] in the knee muscles in groups of young and older women during release of peak torque (PT).

METHODS: Fifty women (1 group approximately 20 years of age and the other approximately 60 years of age) participated in the study. PT and electromyographic activity were measured for flexors and extensors of the right and left knee in static conditions in response to a visual stimulus.

RESULTS: Significantly longer TRTs (P = 0.05) and PMTs (P = 0.05) were found in the group of older women compared with the younger participants. Asymmetry was found between the older and the younger group of women in PT of knee flexors.

DISCUSSION: Significantly longer TRT and PMT phases in the group of older women suggests a longer time for information processing in the central nervous system in older people. Muscle Nerve 56: E147-E153, 2017.