Changes in human multifidus muscle size with aging and short-term disuse
Fabio Sarto1, Elena Monti2, Sara Tagliaferri3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Centre of Studies and Activities for Space "Giuseppe Colombo", University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Experimental Gerontology
|March 9, 2026
Summary
The lumbar multifidus muscle shrinks with aging and inactivity. This muscle
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Muscle Physiology
- Aging Research
Background:
- The lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle is crucial for spinal stability.
- Adaptations of the MF to aging and disuse are not well understood.
- Aging is associated with increased prevalence of muscle atrophy and inactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age- and inactivity-induced changes in lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle size and asymmetry.
- To compare MF adaptations with the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle.
- To identify potential markers of muscle maladaptation.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing young and older adults (categorized by sarcopenia status).
- Experimental study involving 10-day horizontal bed rest in young males.
- Ultrasound imaging to measure MF and VL cross-sectional area (CSA) and asymmetry.
Main Results:
- MF CSA was negatively associated with age and probable sarcopenia.
- MF showed greater size reduction than VL in older adults.
- Short-term bed rest reduced MF CSA early (by day 4) without increasing asymmetry.
- MF asymmetry was greater in older adults with probable sarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- The lumbar multifidus muscle is highly plastic, decreasing in size with aging and short-term disuse.
- Aging, but not short-term disuse, increased MF asymmetry.
- MF size and asymmetry may serve as indicators of muscle maladaptation in clinical and research settings.
Keywords:
Bed restMuscle atrophyParaspinal musclesPhysical inactivitySarcopeniaUltrasound imagingUnloadingMore Related Videos
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