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Zange J, Endres J, Clemen CS, Rittweger J. Leg and hip muscles show muscle-specific effects of ageing and sport on muscle volume and fat fraction in male Masters athletes. J Physiol 2025. [PMID: 40162664 DOI: 10.1113/jp285665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Age-related deterioration in muscle volume, intramuscular fat content and muscle function can be modulated by physical activity. We explored whether Masters athletes, as examples of highly physically active people into old age, could prevent these age-related muscle deteriorations. Four groups of 43 men were examined: young athletes (20-35 years, n = 10), Masters athletes (60-75 years, n = 10) and two age-matched control groups (old: n = 11, young: n = 12). Volumes and fat fractions of 17 different hip and leg muscles were determined using magnetic resonance imaging. In the soleus muscle extra- and intramyocellular lipids were measured using 1H-MR-spectroscopy. Finally volumes of glutei, quadriceps and triceps surae muscles were cumulated and compared to peak jumping power. In both age groups the sum of glutei, quadriceps and triceps surae muscles showed larger volumes in athletes (young: 5758 ± 1139 ml, old: 5285 ± 895 ml) compared to the corresponding control groups (young: 4781 ± 833 ml, old: 4379 ± 612 ml) (p < 0.001). Fat fraction varied between 1.5% and 12.5% 1H-signal across muscles and groups and was greater in Masters athletes than in young athletes (p < 0.001), but lower than that in old controls (p < 0.001) and comparable with young controls. Age and exercise-related effects on muscle fat predominantly originated from the extramyocellular lipids. Finally muscle peak power per volume was effectively halved in the combined older groups compared to the younger groups. Our findings suggest that sarcosthenia, that is, intrinsic muscle weakness, is an effective cause of age-related power declines in addition to sarcopenia and fat accumulation. KEY POINTS: Muscle volume and muscle fat fraction from 17 hip and leg muscles of Masters athletes were compared with old controls, young athletes and young controls. Muscle volume and fat fraction were determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a six-point-DIXON sequence. Muscle volume in Masters athletes was larger than that in old controls but partially smaller than that in young athletes. Muscle fat fraction of Masters athletes was lower than that in old controls but higher than that in young athletes. Muscles of old athletes and old controls produce only 50% of jumping peak power per muscle volume compared with younger subjects. The intrinsic reduction of power loss in old muscle could not be explained by the higher fat fraction in old muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Zange
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joachim Endres
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph S Clemen
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Rittweger J, Gollasch M, Dietzel R, Armbrecht G. Chair-Rising Power as Digital Biomarker: Validation against Jumping Power and Chair-Rising Time in Adults Aged 32-92 Years. Digit Biomark 2025; 9:88-97. [PMID: 40438130 PMCID: PMC12119073 DOI: 10.1159/000545395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 06/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction The chair-rising test (CRT) is being widely used to assess lower body power. The test provides valuable information about functional capacity and other health outcomes. However, most centers use timing-based outcomes, which may compromise its suitability in younger people and fitter geriatric patients, and which may also introduce confounding effects of body height. We, therefore, aimed to compare the traditional use of timing-based outcome with digitally assessed measurements of neuromuscular power. Methods Data were collected from a longitudinal population-based study that examined changes in muscle and bone health. CRT and jumping mechanography were performed on a ground reaction force plate. In 346 people (age: 32-92 years), chair-rising rate (fCRT) was manually assessed, and peak chair-rising power (PCRT) and jumping power (PJMG) were computed. Statistical analyses targeted breakpoints in the relationships between fCRT, PCRT, and PJMG. Effects of age, body height, and sex were assessed with linear and partial regression analyses. Results Breakpoints were found at (fCRT = 0.778 Hz, PJMG = 35.2 Watt/kg, p < 0.001) and at (fCRT = 0.669 Hz, PCRT = 9.9 Watt/kg, p < 0.001). Slow chair-risers, defined by fCRT <0.669 Hz, were older than fast chair-risers (p < 0.001), albeit with a largely overlapping age range (fast chair-risers: 32-90 years, slow chair-risers: 32-92 years). Body height was correlated with fCRT (p < 0.001) and PCRT (p = 0.009) but not with PJMG (p = 0.59). Conclusion Timing-based CRT does not unequivocally reflect neuromuscular power. Its association with chair-rising power holds only in people who take more than 75 s for 5 stand-ups. For jumping power, the cutoff is at 6.4 s. Slow and fast chair-risers cannot be easily discerned by age. Bias by body height can substantially obscure age effects in timing-based CRT assessments. We conclude that chair-rising power represents a more universally applicable biomarker and is less influenced by body height compared to timing-based chair-rising assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Rittweger
- Institute for Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Roswitha Dietzel
- Department of Radiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin and Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriele Armbrecht
- Department of Radiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin and Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Riemann BL, Johnson M, Helms MK, Hatchett A, Vondrasek JD, Watts CQ, Huebner M. Countermovement Jump Peak Power Changes with Age in Masters Weightlifters. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:259. [PMID: 39330736 PMCID: PMC11436148 DOI: 10.3390/sports12090259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with decreased muscle strength and power. Power is particularly important for maintaining the independence of older adults when performing activities of daily living. The countermovement jump has been identified as a reliable and safe method to assess lower extremity power across the lifespan. The purpose of this investigation was to study sex differences and age-related changes in countermovement jump peak power among masters weightlifters with the secondary purpose of comparing results to previous reports of community and masters athletes. Female (n = 63, 39 to 70 yrs, med (56 yrs)) and male (n = 39, 35 to 86 yrs, med (59 yrs)) participants of the 2022 World Masters Championships completed three maximal effort countermovement jump repetitions following a dynamic warm-up. Vertical ground reaction forces were recorded, and peak power normalized to body mass was calculated. Results indicated significant age-related peak power among weightlifters, with the decline being significantly more pronounced in males than females. Female weightlifters exhibited less age-related decline compared to normative data as well as the other Master athlete comparison cohorts (short and long-distance runners), whereas the males demonstrated similar age-related declines as the comparison cohorts. While the female weightlifters in the current study generally demonstrated the least age-related declines in CMJ peak power of the comparative literature, the male weightlifters showed similar age-related decline rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan L Riemann
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, Savannah, GA 31419, USA
| | - Matthew Johnson
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, Savannah, GA 31419, USA
| | - Matthew K Helms
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, Savannah, GA 31419, USA
| | - Andrew Hatchett
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
| | - Joseph D Vondrasek
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, Savannah, GA 31419, USA
| | - Cullun Q Watts
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, Savannah, GA 31419, USA
| | - Marianne Huebner
- Department of Statistics and Probability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Heller C, Haak M, Schmidt SM, Chiatti C, Ekstam L, Nilsson MH, Slaug B. The Relationship Between Physical Housing Characteristics, Housing Accessibility and Different Aspects of Health Among Community-Dwelling Older People: A Systematic Review. J Aging Health 2024; 36:120-132. [PMID: 37201208 PMCID: PMC10693737 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231175367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To synthesize the evidence on the relationships between physical housing characteristics or housing accessibility and different aspects of health among community-dwelling people 60 years and older. Methods: A systematic review of recent evidence with a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: We included 15 studies and found three themes covering physical housing characteristics or housing accessibility that are associated with aspects of health among community-dwelling older adults: (1) interventions by home modifications targeting housing features both at entrances and indoors; (2) non-interventions targeting indoor features; (3) non-interventions targeting entrance features, that is, the presence of an elevator or stairs at the entrance. The overall quality of evidence across studies was assessed as very low. Discussion: The findings highlight the need for studies with a stronger research design and higher methodological quality that address the physical housing environment in relation to health among older adults to strengthen the body of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Haak
- Department of Nursing Education and Integrated Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | | | | | - Lisa Ekstam
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria H. Nilsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Björn Slaug
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Conte D, Palumbo F, Guidotti F, Matulaitis K, Capranica L, Tessitore A. Investigating External and Internal Loads in Male Older Adult Basketball Players during Official Games. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:111. [PMID: 36547657 PMCID: PMC9782224 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7040111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the external [Player Load (PL), acceleration (ACC), changes of direction (COD), JUMP, and their relative values (PL/min; ACC/min; COD/min and JUMP/min)] and internal [percentage of the peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and the training load calculated with the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method (sRPE-load)] loads of masters (senior citizen) basketball players during official games. Thirteen male basketball masters players (age: 66.6 ± 2.1 years; body mass: 89.9 ± 8.7 kg; stature: 183.7 ± 4.6 cm) were monitored during an official Lietuvos Krepsinio Veteranu Lyga (LKVL) 65-year game. Beside descriptive analysis, a chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted to assess the differences in the distribution within JUMP, ACC and COD classes of intensities (i.e., low, medium and high). The results revealed PL = 269.9 ± 83.3 AU and PL/min = 6.54 ± 1.29 AU/min. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.001) in the distribution of the intensity classes were found for JUMP, ACC, and COD, with the lowest intensities as the most frequent. Finally, HRpeak = 81.7 ± 8.1% and sRPE-load = 148.9 ± 69.7 AU were found, with sRPE = ~3 AU. In conclusion, a low external load during an official basketball game was found compared to other basketball populations. Moreover, a high objective internal load did not correspond to a low perceived demand, which might increase the training adherence and motivation during long-term studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Conte
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Palumbo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Guidotti
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Kestutis Matulaitis
- Department of Coaching Science, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Laura Capranica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Tessitore
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
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