The findings of a recent study, published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, shed light on how athletes manage to defy the physiological changes associated with growing older with lifelong exercise.
The study, led by a team of researchers from Finland, compared the lean mass and fat mass of young and masters athletes across different sports with age-matched non-athletic individuals. The results, obtained through state-of-the-art dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), offer a glimpse into the remarkable effects of lifelong exercise on the aging body.
One of the key revelations from the study is the significant difference in appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) between young and masters athletes in various disciplines. Strength athletes, including weightlifters and powerlifters, displayed remarkable ALMI levels, emphasizing the importance of muscle mass in counteracting age-related changes. Similarly, sprint and endurance athletes showcased lower fat mass levels, underlining the impact of their respective disciplines in managing body composition.
Perhaps one of the most striking findings is the lower prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, a condition characterized by low muscle mass and high fat mass, among masters athletes compared to recreationally active individuals. While the study identified sarcopenic obesity in a small percentage of older controls, especially endurance athletes demonstrated remarkably low fat mass levels.
However, the study also reaffirms the reality of aging – despite their dedication to exercise, all older athlete groups displayed higher fat mass than their younger counterparts. This suggests that while exercise plays a crucial role in managing body composition, it may not be the sole factor in controlling fat mass as people age.
The study adds to the abundance of evidence already supporting the importance of regular exercise in a society grappling with the challenges of aging.
Exercise needs to start young, stay regular and intense, and remain in place as we age.
S Walker et al. Body composition in male lifelong trained strength, sprint and endurance athletes and healthy age-matched controls. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1295906
