Abstract
We examined the association between quadriceps muscle function and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and testosterone in a group of healthy elderly people. Fifty-three independent, community-dwelling elderly subjects (26 men and 27 women) aged from 66 to 84 years volunteered to participate in the study. Physical activity (PA) was evaluated by a questionnaire. Quadriceps maximal muscle power (W˙ max) and optimal shortening velocity (v opt) were measured on a friction-loaded non-isokinetic cycle ergometer. The W˙ max is expressed in relation to body mass (W˙ max/kg, W · kg−1), and in relation to the mass of the two quadriceps muscles (W˙ max/Quadr, W · kgQuadr −1). In women, when adjusted for age, anthropometric measurements and PA indices, IGF-I correlated significantly with W˙ max/kg (partial correlation: r=0.59; P=0.001), W˙ max/Quadr (r=0.58; P=0.002) and v opt (r=0.53; P=0.004), whereas DHEAS was correlated significantly with W˙ max/kg (r=0.54; P=0.003) and W˙ max/Quadr (r=0.58; P=0.002). No such correlation was found in men. These findings indicate that in healthy elderly women lower values for quadriceps muscle W˙ max and v opt are related, independently of age, anthropometric measurements and PA indices, to lower circulating levels of DHEAS and IGF-I.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted: 29 December 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kostka, T., Arsac, L., Patricot, M. et al. Leg extensor power and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, insulin-like growth factor-I and testosterone in healthy active elderly people. Eur J Appl Physiol 82, 83–90 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050655
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050655