Study Review

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The following is my review of a review article published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 2009 titled Aging , Exercise, and Muscle Protein Metabolism by Rene Koopman and Luc J. C. van Loon.

Introduction

The elderly population is steadily growing due to greater longevity. As this population continues to grow, even moreso with the aging of the "Baby Boomer" generation, a greater strain is put on the healthcare system as there is a greater need for hospitalization and institutionalization. Of the greatest factors in aging is the decrease in quality of life due to muscle mass loss or sacropenia. This review examined the effects of the interaction between nutrition, exercise and the adaptive response of skeletal muscle. 

Methods

This article reviewed 134 articles to examine the interactions between nutrition, exercise and the adaptive response of skeletal muscle in aging.

Results/Conclusion

This review article concluded that protein ingestion before, during or post- resistance type exercise in both the young and elderly significantly stimulated the net muscle protein growth. Also, prolonged resistance exercise was an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of muscle mass loss in the elderly.

Commentary 

This was a well written article that highlights the importance of adequate protein intake and resistance exercise in the prevention of age-related muscle mass loss.
  

References

Koopman, R., van Loon, L.J.C. (2009). Aging, exercise, and muscle protein metabolism. J Appl Physiol. 106:20402048. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.91551.2008