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Age-related changes in muscle architecture and metabolism in humans: The likely contribution of physical inactivity to age-related functional decline

Shur, N. F.; Creedon, L.; Skirrow, S.; Atherton, P. J.; MacDonald, I. A.; Lund, J.; Greenhaff, P. L.

Age-related changes in muscle architecture and metabolism in humans: The likely contribution of physical inactivity to age-related functional decline Thumbnail


Authors

L. Creedon

S. Skirrow

I. A. MacDonald



Abstract

In the United Kingdom (UK), it is projected that by 2035 people aged >65 years will make up 23 % of the population, with those aged >85 years accounting for 5% of the total population. Ageing is associated with progressive changes in muscle metabolism and a decline in functional capacity, leading to a loss of independence. Muscle metabolic changes associated with ageing have been linked to alterations in muscle architecture and declines in muscle mass and insulin sensitivity. However, the biological features often attributed to muscle ageing are also seen in controlled studies of physical inactivity (e.g. reduced step-count and bed-rest), and it is currently unclear how many of these ageing features are due to ageing per se or sedentarism. This is particularly relevant at a time of home confinements reducing physical activity levels during the Covid-19 pandemic. Current knowledge gaps include the relative contribution that physical inactivity plays in the development of many of the negative features associated with muscle decline in older age. Similarly, data demonstrating positive effects of government recommended physical activity guidelines on muscle health are largely non-existent. It is imperative therefore that research examining interactions between ageing, physical activity and muscle mass and metabolic health is prioritised so that it can inform on the “normal” muscle ageing process and on strategies for improving health span and well-being. This review will focus on important changes in muscle architecture and metabolism that accompany ageing and highlight the likely contribution of physical inactivity to these changes.

Citation

Shur, N. F., Creedon, L., Skirrow, S., Atherton, P. J., MacDonald, I. A., Lund, J., & Greenhaff, P. L. (2021). Age-related changes in muscle architecture and metabolism in humans: The likely contribution of physical inactivity to age-related functional decline. Ageing Research Reviews, 68, Article 101344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101344

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Apr 13, 2021
Online Publication Date Apr 16, 2021
Publication Date Jul 1, 2021
Deposit Date Apr 30, 2021
Publicly Available Date Apr 30, 2021
Journal Ageing Research Reviews
Print ISSN 1568-1637
Electronic ISSN 1872-9649
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 68
Article Number 101344
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101344
Keywords Physical inactivity; Ageing; Sarcopenia; Muscle; Metabolism
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5493435
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S156816372100091X
Additional Information Shur, N. F., Creedon, L., Skirrow, S., Atherton, P. J., MacDonald, I. A., Lund, J., & Greenhaff, P. L. (2021). Age-related changes in muscle architecture and metabolism in humans: The likely contribution of physical inactivity to age-related functional decline. Ageing Research Reviews, 68, 101344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101344

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