Anton, M. H., & Tanaka, H. (2003). Reductions in physiological functional capacity with age: Insight from powerlifting and weightlifting performance records. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1786.

An analysis of top age-group powerlifting (squat, bench press, and deadlift) and weightlifting (clean and jerk, snatch) records for females (14-79 years) and males (14-89) was performed.

• Peak anaerobic muscular power decreased linearly with advancing age.
• The overall magnitude of decline in muscular power appears to be greater in complex than in simple tasks.
• Age-related rates of decline are greater in women than in men.
• Upper body and lower body muscular power have a similar rate of decline with age.

Implication. Muscular power declines with age and is greater in females.

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