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If you don't use it you'll likely lose it
Geoffrey A Power1, Brian H Dalton2, Timothy J Doherty3
1Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. gapower@ucalgary.ca.
Abstract:
This article is a commentary on the recently published manuscript by Drey et al. (2014). The age-related loss of motor units (MU) is an immutable process and understanding the possible role of physical activity in maintaining functional MUs is an important topic. Dysfunctional remodelling of a MU is associated with denervation of the muscle and ultimate death of the spinal motoneurone. Conversely, in cross-sectional studies, high levels of physical activity in humans report a maintenance in the number of functional MUs in older master runners. However, it seems that only those MUs directly associated with the elevated long-term physical activity appear to benefit from any exercise-induced neuroprotective effect.
Insights
Physical activity may help maintain functional motor units (MUs) in older adults, but benefits seem specific to exercise-related MUs. Further research is needed to understand neuroprotective effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Age-related motor unit (MU) loss is a natural process.
- MU dysfunction involves muscle denervation and motoneurone death.
- High physical activity may preserve functional MUs in older athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comment on Drey et al. (2014) regarding physical activity and motor unit maintenance.
- To explore the role of exercise in mitigating age-related motor unit loss.
- To discuss the specificity of exercise-induced neuroprotection for motor units.
Main Methods:
- Commentary on existing research findings.
- Analysis of cross-sectional studies on master runners.
- Discussion of the mechanisms of motor unit remodeling and neuroprotection.
Main Results:
- Age-related motor unit loss appears inevitable.
- High physical activity is associated with preserved functional MUs in master runners.
- Neuroprotective effects of exercise seem specific to MUs engaged in the activity.
Conclusions:
- While exercise may preserve some motor units, the overall process of age-related loss continues.
- The benefits of physical activity on motor unit maintenance might be localized to specific pathways.
- Understanding exercise-induced neuroprotection requires further investigation into MU-specific responses.