Academic Journal
Lifetime Endurance Physical Activity Is Related to Better Cardiometabolic Profile but May Be Insufficient to Preserve Muscle Strength and Power in Middle Aged and Older Men.
| Title: | Lifetime Endurance Physical Activity Is Related to Better Cardiometabolic Profile but May Be Insufficient to Preserve Muscle Strength and Power in Middle Aged and Older Men. |
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| Authors: | Pigłowska M; Department of Geriatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Kwaśniewska M; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Kostka J; Department of Physioprophylaxis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Jegier A; Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Drygas W; Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Dzięcioł KA; Department of Geriatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Szmigielska K; Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland., Kostka T; Department of Geriatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. |
| Source: | Clinical interventions in aging [Clin Interv Aging] 2026 Jun 02; Vol. 21, pp. 584734. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jun 02 (Print Publication: 2026). |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Dove Medical Press Country of Publication: New Zealand NLM ID: 101273480 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1178-1998 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 11769092 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Clin Interv Aging Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Auckland : Dove Medical Press |
| MeSH Terms: | Muscle Strength*/physiology , Physical Endurance*/physiology , Exercise*/physiology , Endurance Training*, Insulin Resistance/physiology ; Physical Fitness/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Body Mass Index ; Waist Circumference ; Exercise Test |
| Abstract: | Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of lifetime endurance physical activity (PA) on cardiometabolic profile and muscle function in middle aged and older men. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted in 59 men aged 66.7±8.8 years, engaged in endurance training and followed for over 30 years. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were taken. The Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was assessed. The submaximum exercise test was performed to verify physical fitness. The strength of multiple muscle groups was measured with dynamometers (Saehan, Microfet 2) and Keiser pneumatic resistance training equipment. Muscle power was examined with Keiser equipment and a friction-loaded cycle ergometer. Historical PA data were checked based on PA examinations performed in the past. Participants' PA levels in the last 10 years were categorized and 3 groups with an equal number of participants were created: low, medium and high. Results: The low PA group was characterized by inferior aerobic fitness parameters and higher waist circumference, insulin level and HOMA-IR in comparison with the medium and high PA groups, as well as a higher body mass index (BMI) compared with the medium PA group. None of the strength and power parameters differed between the PA groups. Many significant relationships between PA in different life periods and cardiometabolic profile (negative with body mass, BMI, waist circumference, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides and positive with HDL-cholesterol, Augmentation Index and aerobic fitness data) were found but not with strength and power measures. Conclusion: Higher lifetime endurance PA is related to a better cardiometabolic profile in older physically active males but does not affect muscle strength and power. These findings emphasize that despite cardiometabolic benefits, endurance PA alone may not be sufficient to be prescribed for muscle strength and power preservation in aging. (© 2026 Pigłowska et al.) |
| Competing Interests: | The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: cardiovascular; exercise; metabolism; muscle |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260608 Date Completed: 20260611 Latest Revision: 20260611 |
| Update Code: | 20260611 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13242201 |
| DOI: | 10.2147/CIA.S584734 |
| PMID: | 42254834 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1178-1998 |
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| DOI: | 10.2147/CIA.S584734 |