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The effects of statins on exercise and physical activity
Adam M Noyes1, Paul D Thompson2
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Statins may increase exercise-related muscle complaints and muscle enzyme levels in athletes. However, they do not consistently impair muscle strength, endurance, or overall physical activity in physically active individuals.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Pharmacology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Statins are crucial for reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.
- Physical activity also lowers CVD risk, but statins can cause muscle complaints, potentially more in active individuals.
- This review examines statin effects on exercise in physically active populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on statins' impact on exercise tolerance.
- To assess statins' effects on muscle injury markers.
- To evaluate statins' influence on physical activity levels in active individuals.
Main Methods:
- A PubMed search identified English-language articles.
- Studies focused on statins, exercise performance, and symptoms in active individuals.
- Included articles reported on athletic performance and muscle symptoms.
Main Results:
- Myalgia increased in 47% of studies examining it.
- Statins augmented exercise-induced creatine kinase (CK) increases in 35% of relevant studies.
- Statins did not consistently decrease aerobic performance, muscular strength, or physical activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Statins may elevate exercise-related muscle complaints and muscle enzyme responses.
- Statins do not consistently diminish muscle strength, endurance, or physical activity.
- No correlation was found between statin intensity and effects on exercise variables.
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