Exercise as it relates to Disease/Effects of Resistance Training on the Reduction of Sarcopenia

What is Sarcopenia? Sarcopenia refers to the gradual decline in muscle mass and increase in adipose storage as a result of aging.Kamel, H. K. (2003). Sarcopenia and Aging. Nutrition Reviews, 61(5 pt 1), 157-67. Not to be confused with atrophy, the degradation of muscle due to inactivity, rather as a result of muscle wastage. It is linked with: functional disability falls decreased bone density glucose intolerance decreased hot and cold tolerance There are various molecular mediators that are affected by these age related changes including fiber size and strength, mitochondrial homeostasis and apoptosis. Factors that further effect sarcopenia are: physical inactivity malnutrition oxidative stress abnormalities in growth and sex hormones Between the ages of 50–70 years there is an approximate 30% reduction in muscle strength as a result of sarcopenia.Vella, C., & Kravitz, L. (n.d.). Sarcopenia: The Mystery of Muscle Loss. Exercise Science at UNM. Retrieved October 24, 2011, from http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/sarcopenia.html. Resistance Exercise in Reducing Sarcopenia Evidence has shown that resistance training is the best way to slow or reverse sarcopenia.Campbell, W. W. (2007). Synergistic Use of Higher Protein Diets or Nutritional Supplements With RT to Counter Sarcopenia. Nutrition Reviews, 65(9), 416-22. Resistance training enhances strength, power and mobility function and induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In the elderly resistance training also induces the muscle expression of IGF-I, myogenic regulator factors and IL-6 to contribute to muscular hypertrophy by regulating function of satellite cells, which in turn will assist in preventing the onset of sarcopenia.Sakuma, K., & Yamaguchi, A. (2010). Molecular Mechanisms in aging and current strategies to counteract sarcopenia. Current Aging Science, 3(2), 90-101. Even just one session of resistance exercise for elders can enhance the synthesis rate of muscle protein. Resistance training also enhances the nervous system leading to an improved functional capacity during everyday tasks. This is because the loss of muscle mass with aging may be the result of impaired capacity for axonal reinnervation of deinnervated muscle fibers, which would attribute to the enhancement of the nervous system through resistance training.Aagaard, P., Suetta, C., Caserotti, P., Magnusson, S. P., & Kjaer, M. (2010). Role of the nervous system in sarcopenia and muscle atrophy with aging: strength training as a countermeasure.. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports, 20(1), 49-64. Recommendations Although the following guidelines are best for reducing the effects of sarcopenia, a participant who is involved in any form of resistance training is better than one who doesn't train at all. Complete 8-10 exercises involving all the major muscle groups. Multi-joint exercises are recommended. Have the participant perform 10-15 repitions of each exercises 1 set of each exercise is sufficient for elderly clients The intensity of exercise should be 'somewhat hard', roughly 12 or 13 on the Borg's scale Resistance training should be performed at least twice a week, with 48 hours between each session In addition, adequate protein and energy intake are key for further management of sarcopenia.Rolland, Y., Dupuy, C., Abellan van Kan, G., Gillette, S., & Vellas, B. (2011). Treatment Strategies for sarcopenia and frailty. The Medical Clinics of North American, 95(3), 427-38. Considerations When determining the amount and frequency of a strength program, attention to overloading the patient needs to be considered as intensive regimes will decrease the effective gain in muscle strength and mass in the elderly. Ensure the program is individualized to the participants needs and current health status. Correct technique must be maintained at all times, as the injury risk in the elderly is much greater. Have caution with eccentric training as this creates greater muscle soreness in this population. Free weights are excellent tools to use as they not only increase strength but also balance and coordination. Further reading Videos on Sarcopenia Sarcopenia - The Mystery of Muscle Loss World Health Organization Sarcopenia: Exercise as a Treatment Strategy References