Comparison of muscular relaxation in middle-aged and older athletes
Authors:
Čelko J. 1; Gabrhel J. 2; Malay M. 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Fakulta zdravotníctva, Trenčianska univerzita Alexandra Dubčeka v Trenčíne, Slovenská republika
1; Súkromná ordinácia liečebnej rehabilitácie a akupunktúry, Trenčín, Slovenská republika
2
Published in:
Rehabil. fyz. Lék., 28, 2021, No. 2, pp. 61-66.
Category:
Original Papers
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/ccrhfl202161
Overview
Background: Muscular relaxation is an active process that requires brain activation similar to muscle contraction. Decreased ability of intracortical inhibition prolongs the time of muscle relaxation, which slows down movement. The quality of movement is also compromised by insufficient relaxation of muscles that are not necessary for movement, which occurs in less experienced athletes and musicians. Methods: We used infrared thermography to compare muscle relaxation after weightlifting training discipline of two long-term athletes aged 45 and 65. The younger athlete was an amateur, the older one was a professional. Load-induced increase of muscle tone is manifested by a decrease in temperature, while during relaxation the temperature rises. Relaxation was evaluated by the course of temperature changes in individual regions immediately after training, after 15 and 30 minutes. Results: Body temperature changes were observed in both sportsmen in the evaluated regions shortly after training. A significantly larger decrease was discovered in the amateur sportsman. The reason may be insufficiently suppressed co-contraction of antagonists, while the professional athlete was able to relax muscles unnecessary for performance. The course of temperature curves after 15 and 30 minutes is reversed. The curve rises in the younger sportsman rises and decreases in the older one. This indicates an impaired relaxation in the older athlete, which may be related to a reduced ability of intracortical inhibition associated with age. Conclusion: Proper muscle relaxation is a necessary condition of smooth and effective movement. Long-term benefits of muscular relaxation occur in older people not only immediately after the exercise, but also at the interval of 30 minutes.
Keywords:
muscular relaxation – intracortical inhibition – weightlifting training – infrared thermography
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Labels
Physiotherapist, university degree Rehabilitation Sports medicineArticle was published in
Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine
2021 Issue 2
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