Can regular exercise slow the aging processes in muscle and bone? International collaborative study on lifetime athletes

Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are increasing public health problems. Their development is provoked by physical inactivity. Aging athletes provide a unique model to study the role of exercise in counteracting musculoskeletal deterioration. This project takes advantages of two ongoing longitudinal studies (9- and 10-yr) and pre-existing intervention to study adaptations to sprint, endurance and strength training. We examine the effect of training mode and age on 1) whole-muscle structure and function, 2) single-fiber contractility, 3) cellular and molecular factors underlying muscle hypertrophy and 4) bone geometry and strength. The work builds on international collaboration in terms of material and methodology. The project has potential to create a comprehensive picture about the benefits and risks of different exercise modes. Such knowledge has important implications for designing exercise guidelines and preventing musculoskeletal disorders and disability with aging. The project has started in 2011.

Funding

Academy of Finland

Research group

Principal investigator

Postdoctoral researcher Marko Korhonen, marko.t.korhonen[at]jyu.fi, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Professor Ari Heinonen, ari.o.heinonen[at]jyu.fi, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Professor Emeritus Harri Suominen, harri.k.suominen[at]jyu.fi, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Doctoral student Reeta Kangas, reeta.kangas[at]jyu.fi Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Publications

Ireland, A., Korhonen, M., Heinonen, A., Suominen, H., Baur, C., Stevens, S., Degens, H., Rittweger, J. Side-to-side differences in bone strength in master jumpers and sprinters. Journal Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions 2011; 11(4): 298-305.

Suominen H. Ageing and maximal physical performance. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 2011; 8:37-42.

Collaborators

Division of Space Physiology, German Aerospace, Cologne, Germany (Jörn Rittweger)

Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, England (Hans Degens)

Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Sweden (Lars Larsson)

Oulu University Hospital, Finland (Markku Alén)