Abstract

This article summarizes the existing body of literature on the changes in the function of muscle and bone that occur as a consequence of aging. In this article, the importance of distinguishing between aging and disuse is a recurring theme. Much of what has been previously considered aging is now regarded as functional disuse. With aging, muscle undergoes a reduction in size, and consequently strength, which is related to a loss of muscle fibers and a reduction in the size of existing fibers. Bone loss starts in the third and fourth decade of life, but the pattern of bone loss differs between cortical and trabecular bone; the former being less influenced by menstrual status. Exercise training appears to attenuate the normal decreases in muscle and bone with aging. Verf.-Referat