[Effects of physical training on skeletal muscle and the central nervous system in older adults]

Aging is associated with a number of functional and structural changes of both skeletal muscle and the central nervous system (CNS). Over the past decades, the understanding of the interplay between peripheral muscle and the CNS has further improved, clearly indicating a crosstalk between both "organs". For example, muscle strain induces the release of myokines, which are then sensed by the brain and may lead to changes in plasticity. Therefore, physical exercise plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the functional and structural integrity of muscle and brain. Exercise should be prescribed based on individual needs and should include both strength and endurance type of training.