Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/771993
Scientists have found and manipulated body chemistry linked to the aging of muscles, and were able to restore the ability of old human muscle to repair and rebuild itself. Importantly, the research also found evidence that aging muscles need to be kept in shape, because long periods of atrophy are more challenging to overcome. Older muscles do not respond as well to sudden bouts of exercise. And rather than building muscle, older people can instead generate scar tissue if they exercise after long periods of inactivity. Previous studies have shown that adult muscle stem cells have a receptor called Notch, which triggers growth when activated. An enzyme called mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) regulates Notch activity. In the lab, the researchers cultured old human muscle and forced the activation of MAPK. The regenerative ability of the old muscle was significantly enhanced. It may seem like common sense that if you don't use your muscles, eventually they'll atrophy away, yet so many people don't take heed. Many believe that cardiovascular training is the ticket to staying in shape, and I certainly wouldn't blame them as I fell into that trap for over 30 years. It was only after 40 years of running as my exclusive form of exercise that I saw the light and started to open my horizons with respect to exercise. I learned that cardio is only one aspect of fitness. Now, at 55 I am the fittest I have ever been in my life. I certainly could run faster when I was younger (2:50 marathon) The Exercise Mistake Which Makes You AGE FASTER but I would never trade that to have the muscle strength, flexibility and proprioceptive balance that a far more comprehensive program provides. This research cited in this study emphasizes the need to keep your muscles in shape as you age, because long periods of muscle atrophy are more challenging to overcome. They also found that older muscles do not respond well to sudden bouts of exercise, so the key is to work out your muscles on a regular basis throughout your life. The study found that younger muscle tissues had as much as four times more regenerative stem cells compared to old muscle. The authors noted that: "Two weeks of immobilization only mildly affected young muscle, in terms of tissue maintenance and functionality, whereas old muscle began to atrophy and manifest signs of rapid tissue deterioration." So the take-home message is: the older you are, the faster your muscles begin to atrophy if you are not engaging in some form of strength training exercise on a regular basis. Don't Wait for a Miracle Drug - Most People Can Easily Prevent Muscle Atrophy on Their Own According to the researchers: "Our study shows that the ability of old human muscle to be maintained and repaired by muscle stem cells can be restored Page 52 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com