Effect of Age and Gender on Muscle Function -Analysis by Muscle Fiber Conduction Velocity-

Abstract

The effect of age and gender on muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) was examined. Subjects were 216 healthy persons (369 limbs), of which 102 were males (180 limbs) and 114 were females (189 limbs). The method of evoked potential was used for measuring MFCV. The muscles measured were the vastus medialis of the right and / or left limbs. The measurement was taken in a sitting position with the hip and knee joints flexed at 90°. On the effect of aging, a significant correlation between MFCV and age was observed in males (r=0.63, p<0.01) and in females (r=0.52, p<0.01). There was a tendency of delay in MFCV due to aging. On the gender difference, male MFCV showed a faster rate, compared with that of females in the age group from 20's to 40's. However, no gender difference was observed in the age group of more than 50 years. Based on these results, age and gender differences must therefore be considered when determining standard values of MFCV.