Sarcopenia, exercise and quality of life

Abstract

The loss of strength, power, and muscle mass caused by the progressive deterioration from aging is known as “sarcopenia.” This age-related disease is closely related to the progressive loss of physical and cognitive abilities. The etiology of sarcopenia is multifactorial: hormonal, neurological, muscular, immunological, nutritional, or related to a sedentary lifestyle. These factors cause pathophysiological changes at the neuromuscular and tendon level, increased risk of chronic diseases (diabetes and osteoporosis), suppression of ketogenesis and changes in body temperature. Muscle mass gradually decreases by 3% to 8% every decade from the age of 30 onwards, and is particularly accentuated from 60 ahead. This results in a progressive decline in strength that contributes significantly to disability and loss of independence in the elderly. Therefore, to treat and delay sarcopenia, decisions regarding lifestyle habits must be taken into account. In addition, with the physiological and systemic changes in the body as age advances and accelerates the progression of this syndrome, lifestyle factors are much more controllable, and the inclusion of exercise (both endurance and strength) in a healthy lifestyle is of paramount importance. Therefore, in this Special Issue, “Sarcopenia, Exercise and Quality of Life” we focus on the current state of knowledge on the links between sarcopenia, exercise, and quality of life. [Texto extraído del artículo de Diego Fernández Lázaro].