Exercise capacity, physical activity, and morbidity
Danielle L Brunjes1, Peter J Kennel1, P Christian Schulze2
1Department of Internal Medicine I Division of Cardiology, Angiology, Pneumology and Intensive Medical Care, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, Jena, 07747, Germany.
Abstract:
Muscle weakness and atrophy are key characteristics of the aging adult but can also be found in chronically ill patients with heart failure, cancer, renal failure, and chronic infectious diseases all associated with an accelerated level of muscle dysfunction. Reduced physical activity levels and exercise intolerance increase muscle loss and decrease quality of life in both the aging and heart failure populations. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of aging and heart failure on skeletal muscle function and how exercise training can improve long-term outcomes associated with skeletal muscle dysfunction.
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