Physical Activity Protects Men but Not Women for Sarcopenia Development

Abstract

Objective: Sarcopenia is among the most deleterious effects of aging. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between performance tests and muscular volume over the life span of male and female participants. Method: A correlation study was conducted with healthy individuals (50 males and 47 females) between the ages of 20 and 94; the study group included active older people, sedentary younger people, and young athletes. Muscular volume was determined by tomography and muscular performance (4-meter speed tests [4 MSTs], chair test, and handgrip test), and a correlation analysis between the groups was performed. Results: Sex-related differences were observed between the variables; in males, muscle volume and functional parameters were closely related with age and physical activity, whereas in females, they were not related at all. Conclusion: Male and female muscle volume and performance demonstrate strong differences, which should be considered during clinical evaluations of sarcopenia.