Comparison of Age based Motor Unit Synchronization between Lower Limb Muscles during Dynamic and Isometric Squats

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of exercise by conducting three kinds of squat exercises in age-specific groups from their 10s to 60s and comparing the seven lower muscle activities.

Methods: Participants were six groups of healthy women in their 10s to 60s who have not experienced any surgical operation. In each group, bipedal squat, single leg squat, and isometric squat exercises were conducted, and muscle activity of the lower extremity was measured. Electromyography was used to measure muscle activity during three types of squats, and Two-way-ANOVA was used for comparative analysis of muscle activity.

Findings: In this study, there were significant differences in muscle activity depending on the age group and type of squats (p<.05), while the association between age and squats was inconsistent. However, the results of this study show that as you get old, your muscles decrease as well, and the difference in muscle activation varies depending on the type of squats. Therefore, the study will be the basis for maintaining good health through effectively strengthening the lower extremity by age.

Improvements: As age increased, muscle activity gradually decreased after the 50s. These results suggest the necessity to strengthen muscles through lower extremity exercise as you age.