Work

A method for estimating the number of motor units in thenar muscles and the changes in motor unit count with ageing

Year: 1972

Type: article

Abstract: A method for estimating the number of motor units in median innervated thenar muscles is described. In normal human subjects under 40 years of age, the mean and 1 SD was 253+34. The number of motor units falls with increasing age, especially after mid life, so that elderly subjects often have less than one-half the number in youth despite good strength. The cause is not known but probably includes peripheral nerve trauma and `primary neuronal cell death'.

Source: Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.35.6.845

Author: W. F. Brown

Institution: St. Joseph's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Muscle activation and electromyography studies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2132905212