Skeletal muscle size, function, and adiposity with lifelong aerobic exercise
Toby L Chambers1, Timothy R Burnett1, Ulrika Raue1
1Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 13, 2019
Summary
Lifelong aerobic exercise benefits older adults by preserving skeletal muscle size and function, particularly in men. Higher exercise intensity further reduces adipose tissue infiltration into muscles, promoting healthier aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Skeletal Muscle Biology
Background:
- Aging is associated with decreased skeletal muscle size, function, and increased adiposity.
- The long-term effects of lifelong aerobic exercise on these parameters are not fully understood, especially in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of lifelong aerobic exercise on skeletal muscle size, function, and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in older adults.
- To examine sex-specific differences and the impact of exercise intensity on these outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing young exercisers (YE), lifelong exercisers (LLE), and old healthy nonexercisers (OH).
- Muscle size and IMAT assessed using MRI; quadriceps function measured isotonically and isometrically.
- LLE men were subgrouped by exercise intensity (Performance vs. Fitness).
Main Results:
- Aging decreased muscle size, strength, and velocity in men.
- LLE attenuated age-related decline in muscle size and isometric strength by approximately 50% in men.
- Aging increased thigh and calf IMAT by ~130% in both sexes, attenuated by LLE (~50%).
- Higher training intensity in LLE men further reduced IMAT by ~30%.
Conclusions:
- Lifelong aerobic exercise has sex- and muscle-specific benefits for skeletal muscle health in older adults.
- Consistent aerobic exercise preserves muscle mass and function and reduces adipose tissue infiltration.
- Exercise intensity plays a role in mitigating intermuscular adiposity.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
2.2K
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
2.2K
02:36Cells Coordinate Growth and Proliferation
4.9K
Cell size is a significant factor impacting cellular design, function, and fitness. There exists some internal coordination by which cells double their masses before division, thus, achieving homeostasis. Coordination between cell growth and proliferation depends on the checkpoints in between cell cycle phases. Loss of coordination or failure in the checkpoint mechanism can drive the cell to uncontrolled growth and loss of cellular function. Like dividing cells that coordinate cellular growth,...
4.9K
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
3.8K
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
3.8K
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
1.7K
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
1.7K
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
3.3K
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
3.3K
00:55Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
92.4K
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant type of muscle in the body. Tendons are the connective tissue that attaches skeletal muscle to bones. Skeletal muscles pull on tendons, which in turn pull on bones to carry out voluntary movements.
92.4K