Authors
Kaden R. Buford, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
Lacey N. Harper, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
Kayla R. Anderson, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
William J. Reed, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
Breanna S. McDonald, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
Rachel S. Carlstrom, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
Garrett M. Hester, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(2): 2011, 2026.
Abstract
Non-local muscle fatigue (NLMF) has been well-studied in young individuals following acute, higher intensity exercise; however, the effects of age on NLMF are unclear and limited research exists in women. Research examining age-related differences in NLMF following tasks mimicking everyday life such as fast-paced walking is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential differences in NLMF for maximal and rapid force capacity between young and middle-aged women following an acute bout of fast-paced walking. Young (YW; n=16; 21±2 yrs) and post-menopausal, middle-aged (MW; n=14; 55±3 yrs) women completed a testing visit following a familiarization session. Handgrip testing was performed before and after a 6-min, fast-paced walking task. Maximal force, and early (0–100 ms) and late (0–200 ms) rapid force metrics were calculated from the force-time curve captured during handgrip testing. Rating of perceived exertion (0–10) was also obtained. Two-way mixed group × time ANOVAs were used to compare changes between groups. RPE was similar for YW (3.00±1.16) and MW (3.29±1.45) (p=0.560; d=0.22). Maximal force increased in YW (p=0.024; d=0.52) but remained unchanged in MW (p=0.092; d=0.56). Peak and early rapid force decreased similarly for both groups, while late rapid force remained unchanged. Despite no effect of age, NLMF was exhibited solely through early rapid force capacity following moderate-intensity fast-paced walking. The divergent responses between maximal and rapid force are an important consideration for future research, given the implications for physical function in older populations.
Recommended Citation
Buford, Kaden R.; Harper, Lacey N.; Anderson, Kayla R.; Reed, William J.; McDonald, Breanna S.; Carlstrom, Rachel S.; Hester, Garrett M. (2026) “Non-local Muscle Fatigue in Young and Middle-Aged Women following Fast-Paced Walking,” International Journal of Exercise Science, 19(2):2011.