A new study presented at the last congress of the International Foundation against osteoporosis (IOF) shows that it is essential to continue to practice a sport after 65 years if one wants to fight against sarcopenia. This decrease in muscle mass, while getting worse, can be the cause of a deterioration in muscle strength and physical performance. A deterioration that can sometimes lead to premature death.
This cross-sectional study conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo assessed the association between the prevalence of sarcopenia and the practice of physical exercise in 1,000 participants, including 349 men and 651 women aged 65 and over. After answering a questionnaire on their physical activities and any sports practiced, the researchers measured their grip strength, walking speed, muscle mass and skeletal mass.
This study showed that sarcopenia affects 13.8% of men and 12.4% of women and that it is significantly higher with age in both men and women. It also showed that getting into the habit of physical exercise, including in old age, significantly reduces the risk of sarcopenia in older people. Having a physical activity allows, according to this study, to have a greater walking speed and a greater grip strength.
A similar study was published a few weeks ago in the British journal of sport medicine. She pointed out that, even when started late, regular physical activity triples the chances of aging in good health. And that people who have practiced regular physical activity throughout their lives are seven times more likely to age well than inactive people.