CHANGES OF FORCE AND SPEED CHARACTERISTICS IN MALES AND FEMALES EIGHT TO FIFTY YEARS OLD

The purpose of this study was to determine changes of force and speed characteristics in male and female subjects from eight to 50 years old. Four hundred and eighteen sedentary subjects grouped by age from eight to 50 years old were tested for several force and speed indicators. One-way ANOVA revealed that the majority (four out of six) of force and speed characteristics showed significant increases in subjects up to 30 years of age and subsequent significant decreases. The remaining two indicators showed continuous decline throughout the tested lifespan. It is suggested that these results may be used as a criterion which may assist in promoting physical activity and sport beyond the age of 30 years