Age-Related Changes in Shoulder Abduction Strength and Weight-Normalized Strength Across the Lifespan: A Cross-Sectional Study of 446 Males Aged 6–84 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study of 446 Males Aged 6–84 Years

Koji Miyashita; Takashi Hariki; Taro Koyama; Kenichiro Ota

doi:10.51094/jxiv.3012

##article.authors##

Koji Miyashita Department of Physical Therapy, College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-9310
Takashi Hariki Matsushita Orthopedics
Taro Koyama Matsushita Orthopedics
Kenichiro Ota Watanabe Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Clinic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51094/jxiv.3012

キーワード:

shoulder abduction strength、 age-related changes、 weight normalization、 lifespan analysis、 cross-section syudy

抄録

Background:
Muscle strength is a key indicator of physical function and is closely associated with mobility, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Although age-related changes in lower-limb and handgrip strength have been widely investigated, the lifespan trajectory of shoulder abduction strength—particularly when normalized to body weight—remains poorly understood.

Objective:
This study aimed to examine cross-sectional age-related changes in absolute and body-weight–normalized shoulder abduction strength across a wide age range, spanning childhood to older adulthood.

Methods:
A total of 446 healthy males aged 6 to 84 years participated in this study. Isometric shoulder abduction strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer in a standardized seated position. Absolute strength values and body-weight–normalized values (N/kg) were analyzed. Age was treated as a continuous variable at single-year resolution. Age-related trends were examined using polynomial regression models (second- to fourth-order) and locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (Loess) regression.

Results:
Absolute shoulder abduction strength increased markedly from childhood through adolescence, peaked in the 20s to 30s, and declined gradually after the 40s. A fourth-order polynomial model provided the best overall fit for absolute strength (adjusted R² = 0.237). In contrast, body-weight–normalized strength demonstrated relatively stable median values from young adulthood through older age, with only modest declines observed. Loess regression revealed a gentle peak around 30 years of age followed by a gradual decrease, while inter-individual variability increased substantially in older adults.

Conclusion:
Shoulder abduction strength exhibits nonlinear age-related changes across the lifespan. While absolute strength declines with aging, body-weight–normalized strength is relatively well preserved, even in older adults. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of normalized strength measures for assessing age-related functional changes and underscore the importance of a lifespan perspective that includes both developmental and aging phases.

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Age-Related Changes in Shoulder Abduction Strength and Weight-Normalized Strength Across the Lifespan

A Cross-Sectional Study of 446 Males Aged 6–84 Years