Rate of power development of the knee extensors across the adult life span: A cross-sectional study in 1387 Flemish Caucasians.

A growing body of research in elderly populations suggests that the early phase of an explosive muscle contraction (i.e., ≤200 ms) may be more functionally relevant than peak values. However, age-related variation in early phase explosive strength has never been investigated across the full-adult life span. This cross-sectional study investigated the age-related changes in the rate of power development (RPD) and compared it to the changes in peak power (Ppeak), both in terms of magnitude and onset, across the adult life span. Age-related declines in power and determinants of muscle power were compared between sexes. 1387 adults (♂813, ♀574), aged 18-78 years, performed three maximal isoiner…