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Association between age and muscle function, architecture, and composition in long-distance master runners: a
J Teixeira1, A G Brauer Júnior1,2, A E Lima-Silva3
1Centro de Estudos do Comportamento Motor, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
Summary
Master runners aged 50+ show preserved muscle function and architecture, with age only weakly associated with some measures. High training levels likely mitigate age-related declines in muscle mass and strength.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in muscle mass, strength, and function.
- Master athletes maintain higher physical capacities than sedentary aging individuals.
- Understanding muscle adaptations in master runners informs aging and exercise science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize muscle function, architecture, and composition in master long-distance runners (≥50 years).
- To investigate the association between age and these muscle variables.
- To compare runner clusters based on age and training characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Forty male master runners (≥50 years) reported training habits.
- Muscle function assessed via maximum knee extensor isometric peak torque (PT) using an isokinetic dynamometer.
- Muscle architecture (CSA, PA, FL, MT) and composition (EI) evaluated using ultrasound.
Main Results:
- A weak negative association was found between age and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), and peak torque (PT).
- Age partially explained changes in CSA (13%), MT (11%), and PT (14%).
- No significant association was observed between age and muscle echo intensity (EI), indicating preserved muscle composition.
Conclusions:
- Master long-distance runners exhibit preserved muscle function and architecture despite advancing age.
- High training volume may attenuate age-related muscle declines.
- Muscle composition appears resilient to aging in this highly trained cohort.
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