Rise and Fall of Physical Capacity in a General Population: A 47-Year Longitudinal Study.

Maria Westerståhl, Gustav Jörnåker, Eva Jansson, Ulrika Aasa, Michael Ingre, Kaveh Pourhamidi, Brun Ulfhake, Thomas Gustafsson

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

As we age, there is a progressive decline in skeletal muscle tissue and function that can become clinically significant in the sixth decade of life affecting independent living and health. Longitudinal observations in elite athletes show that peak physical performance is reached before the age of about 35 years despite continuous training, suggesting that the tissue processes underlying muscle dysfunction may begin decades before they become clinically relevant. To answer the question of whether the pattern of performance decline in athletes also applies to the general population, a population-based longitudinal study is needed.

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Research summary

The paper claims that the decline in physical capacity observed in elite athletes may also be applicable to the general population as they age. This study is relevant as it explores the patterns of physical decline associated with aging, which can inform strategies for maintaining health and independence in older adults.

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