The most common causes of wasting of the small muscles of the hands are old age and arthritis. Which of the following statements is true regarding muscle power in these conditions?

In conditions such as old age and arthritis, the small muscles of the hands may experience wasting, which refers to a reduction in muscle mass. However, despite this muscle wasting, the actual power or strength of the muscles is often preserved. This means that while the muscles may appear smaller or less bulky, their functional ability to generate force remains intact. This preservation of muscle power differentiates these conditions from other causes of muscle wasting, where both muscle mass and strength are typically compromised.