Authors
Kathryn E. Southall, [1]Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, [2]Exercise and Sport Injury Lab, Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Danielle E. Levitt, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Ty B. Palmer, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Kealey J. Wohlgemuth, School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Jacob A. Mota, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(1): 1-18, 2026.
DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026104
Abstract
The aging process is associated with many functional decrements. It is important to consider the additive acute functional decreases that may occur following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). This study aimed to examine the effect of age on muscle damage metrics following EIMD. Ten younger (age=20±2 years, BMI=22.49±3.97 kg/m2) and six older (age=68±2 years, BMI=24.45±2.82 kg/m2) females participated in this study. Participants performed a maximal knee extensor EIMD protocol. Additionally, participants completed various assessments before, immediately after, 24-, 48-, and 72-hours after the EIMD protocol to evaluate the presence of and recovery from muscle damage. Assessments included B-mode ultrasound imaging of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) to assess cross sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI), soreness measures, and neuromuscular assessments (i.e., peak torque [PT] and rapid torque [RT]). A 2×5 ANOVA was used to compare age groups by time for all variables. Significant age x time interactions were found for RT at 200ms and 250ms (p<0.001) indicating a slower rate of recovery for the older group. Significant main effects for age were found for PT (p<0.001), maximal eccentric torque (p<0.001), VL CSA (p<0.001), RF CSA (p=0.03), RF EI (p=0.03), and all soreness measures (p<0.05). Overall, there were significant differences in performance, muscle morphology, and soreness between the younger and older females as well as significant differences in the late-phase RT recovery timeline. Practitioners should remain aware of the decreased functional abilities of female clients as they age and prescribe exercises appropriately.
Recommended Citation
Southall, Kathryn E.; Levitt, Danielle E.; Palmer, Ty B.; Wohlgemuth, Kealey J.; Mota, Jacob A. (2026) “The Neuromuscular Response to Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Younger and Older Females: A Preliminary Study,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 19 : Iss. 1, Pages 1-18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/IJES2026104