Age differences in human skeletal muscle fatigue during high-intensity intermittent exercise

Acta Paediatr. 2003 Nov;92(11):1248-54.

Abstract

It has been shown at similar relative work rates that children have higher resistance to fatigue than adults during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. This age-related difference in fatigue resistance may be explained by factors including muscle mass, muscle morphology, energy metabolism and neuromuscular activation.

Conclusion: During high-intensity intermittent exercise, recovery periods play an important role in limiting fatigue. Age-related differences in fatigue resistance could also be explained by differences in the rates of resynthesis of some energetic substrates and the rates of removal of various muscle metabolites.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Muscle Fatigue / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology