Current Insights in the Age-related Decline in Sports Performance of
                    the Older Athlete

Bergita Ganse; Hans Degens

doi:10.1055/a-1480-7730

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2021; 42(10): 879-888
DOI: 10.1055/a-1480-7730

Review

Current Insights in the Age-related Decline in Sports Performance of the Older Athlete

Authors

Bergita Ganse

¹Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

²Innovative Implant Development, Clinics and Institutes of Surgery, Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
Hans Degens

¹Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

³Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania

Abstract

The higher performance level of master athletes compared to non-athletes is often associated with better health throughout life. However, even the physical performance of master athletes declines with age, and this decline accelerates from about the age of 70 years onwards. A progressive loss of muscle mass, declines in force- and power-generating capacity, decreased flexibility, and the concomitant decline in specific tension characterize the muscular changes underlying performance declines. In the cardiovascular system, declines in stroke volume and cardiac output, and cardiac and vascular stiffness contribute to decreasing performance. Recent studies have shown that long-term endurance exercise in master athletes does not only have positive effects, but is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, atherosclerotic plaques, and aortic dilation, and even more so in men than in women. Recently, larger longitudinal datasets were analysed and showed that the age-related decline in performance was similar in longitudinal and cross-sectional data. In conclusion, regular physical activity enhances the exercise capacity, and hence quality of life in old age, but it is not without risks.

Key words

longevity - active ageing - running - muscle - cardiovascular - longitudinal - cross-sectional - athletics

Full Text

References

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