The Possible Benefits of Resistance Training in Counteracting the Age-Related Biological Decline of Skeletal Muscle

As a result of the increased human lifespan expectancy, age-related disabilities and the associated medical care costs represent in many countries a major economic concern because of the increased national health expenditures utilized by the elderly. In normal aging, the phenomenon of sarcopenia, associated to loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a reduction in motor unit number and atrophy of muscle fibres, results in the decline of physical function and quality of life. Regular physical activity has been shown to have beneficial effects against the development of many age-related chronic diseases in men and women and it seems to be of great value also for the skeletal muscle mass, however we need to clearly understand the mechanisms affecting muscle wasting and how programmed exercise can delay or counteract this process. This mini-review aims to offer an overview on the biological mechanisms underlying the age-associated loss of muscle mass and physical function and to examine how resistance exercise could be a potential kinesiology intervention for the elderly.