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  • JAPA_-_Ageing_EIMD_meta_v3

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Advancing age is not associated with greater exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

E-pub ahead of print
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2/04/2025
<mark>Journal</mark>Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Number of pages19
Pages (from-to)1-19
Publication StatusE-pub ahead of print
Early online date2/04/25
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper was to undertake a PRISMA-accordant meta-analysis comparing exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in older and younger adults. Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed and Sport Discus were searched in June 2023 for the terms “ageing” OR “age” OR “middle-aged” OR “old” OR “older” OR “elderly” OR “masters” OR “veteran” AND “muscle damage” OR “exercise-induced muscle damage” OR “exercise-induced muscle injury” OR “contraction-induced injury” OR “muscle soreness” OR “delayed onset muscle soreness” OR “creatine kinase”. From 1092 originally identified titles, 36 studies were included which had an exercise component comparing a younger against an older group. The outcome variables of EIMD were muscle function, muscle soreness, and creatine kinase (CK). A meta-analysis was conducted on change to EIMD after exercise in older vs younger adults using standardised mean difference (SMD) and an inverse-variance random effects model. Results: Change after 24 and 72 hours, and peak change, in muscle function was not different between old and young (SMD range = -0.16 to -0.35). Muscle soreness was greater in younger than older adults for all comparisons (SMD range= -0.34 to -0.62). CK was greater in younger than older adults at 24 hours (SMD= -0.32), as was peak change (SMD= -0.32). A relationship between sex and peak muscle function change was evident for males (SMD= -0.45), but not females (SMD= -0.44). All other meta-regression were non-significant. Conclusion: Advancing age is not associated with greater symptoms of EIMD. Implications: Older adults can pursue regular physical activity without concern for experiencing greater EIMD.