Peer-Reviewed Publication
J Physiol2026;604(7):2796-2815.April 1, 2026Journal Article
Ageing does not impair motor neuron adaptations: comparable motor unit responses to strength training in young and older adults.
Andrea Casolo1, Stefanie Del Vecchio2, Benjamin I Goodlich3, Bastian Schrader4, Stefano Nuccio5, Edoardo Lecce5, Ilenia Bazzucchi5, Luca Angius6, Francesco Felici5, Joachim Schrader4, Dario Farina7, Alessandro Del Vecchio8
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
2Klinikum Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany.
3School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
4Department of Cardiology, University of Oldenburg, Klinikum, Oldenburg, Germany.
5Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy.
6Department of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
7Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
8Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Abstract
Ageing induces structural and functional changes in the neuromuscular systems that impair voluntary force production, compromising daily function and wellbeing. We examined whether older adults preserve the capacity for motor unit adaptations to a short-term strength training intervention previously shown to enhance neural drive to muscle in young adults. Twenty‑three older adults were assigned to…
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