Abstract
The relationship between the age-associated decline in mitochondrial function and its effect on skeletal muscle physiology and function remain unclear. In the current study, we examined to what extent physical activity contributes to the decline in mitochondrial function and muscle health during aging and compared mitochondrial function in young and older adults, with similar habitual physical activity levels. We also studied exercise-trained older adults and physically impaired older adults. Aging was associated with a decline in mitochondrial capacity, exercise capacity and efficiency, gait stability, muscle function, and insulin sensitivity, even when maintaining an adequate daily physical activity level. Our data also suggest that a further increase in physical activity level, achieved through regular exercise training, can largely negate the effects of aging. Finally, mitochondrial capacity correlated with exercise efficiency and insulin sensitivity. Together, our data support a link between mitochondrial function and age-associated deterioration of skeletal muscle.
Highlights
The relationship between the age-associated decline in mitochondrial function and its effect on skeletal muscle physiology and function remain unclear
Values are presented as mean ± SD, Asterisk denotes significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05, two-sided, independent samples t-test). 6-minute walk test (6MWT) 6-min walk test, VO2max maximal oxygen flow, Nm newton meters, Fat-free mass (FFM) fat-free mass, RER respiratory exchange ratio, Resting energy expenditure (REE) resting energy expenditure, EE exercise efficiency
Values are presented as mean ± SD, asterisk denotes significant differences between two groups (p < 0.05). 6MWT 6-min walk test distance, VO2max maximal aerobic capacity, Nm newton meters, FFM fatfree mass, RER respiratory exchange ratio, REE resting energy expenditure, EE exercise efficiency
Summary
The relationship between the age-associated decline in mitochondrial function and its effect on skeletal muscle physiology and function remain unclear. We examined to what extent physical activity contributes to the decline in mitochondrial function and muscle health during aging and compared mitochondrial function in young and older adults, with similar habitual physical activity levels. Aging was associated with a decline in mitochondrial capacity, exercise capacity and efficiency, gait stability, muscle function, and insulin sensitivity, even when maintaining an adequate daily physical activity level. Our data suggest that a further increase in physical activity level, achieved through regular exercise training, can largely negate the effects of aging. It remains unclear to what extent chronological age and physical inactivity contribute to the decline in mitochondrial function and muscle health during aging
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