Effect of different external loads during the extension movement of the elbow on muscular activity in children and adults

Coordinated muscle contractions are vital for daily functional movements. This study investigated the differences in the muscular activation of the elbow flexors and extensors of two different age groups, during extension movements of the elbow. Fifteen healthy adults and eight healthy children were tested while performing elbow extension movements at different velocities and with two external loads. The results showed that differences in the muscular activation between the two groups are not due to the control strategies employed but rather to the effect of an added external load to the movement.