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.

1. Peak anaerobic muscular power decreased linearly with advancing age.
2. The overall magnitude of decline in muscular power appears to be greater in complex than in simple tasks.
3. Age-related rates of decline are greater in women than in men.
4. 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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