Eccentric exercise for healthy ageing
Eccentric exercise involves muscle resistance training to rehabilitate muscles and tendons. To minimise the risk of injury, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of eccentric exercise on older populations with and without statins. For the first time ever, an EU-funded project, 'The effect of physical activity on muscle biology and health in statin-treated older individuals' (ACTIVEAGING) , evaluated the effect of statin consumption and exercise on health in the elderly. Factors taken into consideration included skeletal muscle mass, and function, metabolism, cholesterol levels, functional fitness and mobility.Prior to this study, a project member carried out independent studies to evaluate the effects of eccentric training on individuals. Results showed improved muscle strength and performance along with lower insulin resistance and blood cholesterol levels. Importantly, even 30 minutes of eccentric exercise in a week for 8 weeks could significantly improve health and physical fitness. Researchers also received adequate training on performing muscle biopsies, as well as on muscle handling and storage after the biopsy.Twenty-four men in the 60–75 year age range who were never on statins were enrolled in the ACTIVEAGING study. Their cholesterol levels ranged between 200 and 240 mg/dL. These participants were given either a placebo or a statin for six months and underwent eccentric training. Besides blood tests, questionnaires, vital sign and other measurements, muscle biopsies were taken for studying muscle function and performance. These tests were carried out before and after exercise at selected time intervals. Study outcomes revealed that statin therapy did not negatively affect muscle response after eccentric training. Moreover, it was found that elderly individuals on statin therapy could benefit from eccentric training and improve muscle function and health. Results have been submitted for publication and will also be presented at the annual congress of the European College of Sport Science. ACTIVEAGING outcomes clearly demonstrated the benefits of eccentric exercise for elderly patients. Patients with high cholesterol can now undergo statin therapy without worrying about severe muscle problems if treatment is accompanied by an eccentric exercise programme.
Keywords
Eccentric exercise, muscle biology, fitness, statin therapy, cholesterol, muscle biopsy, elderly
