Self-regulatory strength depletion and muscle-endurance performance: a test of the limited-strength model in older adults

J Aging Phys Act. 2011 Jul;19(3):177-88. doi: 10.1123/japa.19.3.177.

Abstract

Self-regulation consumes a form of strength or energy. The authors investigated aftereffects of self-regulation depletion on muscle-endurance performance in older adults. Participants (N = 61, mean age = 71) were randomized to a self-regulation-depletion or control group and completed 2 muscle-endurance performance tasks involving isometric handgrip squeezing that were separated by a cognitive-depletion task. The depletion group showed greater deterioration of muscle-endurance performance than controls, F(1, 59) = 7.31, p = .009. Results are comparable to those of younger adults in a similar study and support Baumeister et al.'s limited-strength model. Self-regulation may contribute to central-nervous-system fatigue; however, biological processes may allow aging muscle to offset depletion of self-regulatory resources affecting muscle-endurance performance.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Aged
  • Central Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction
  • Male
  • Mental Fatigue / etiology
  • Mental Fatigue / physiopathology*
  • Mental Fatigue / psychology*
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Physical Endurance*
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Quality of Life
  • Social Control, Informal*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*