A recent study comparing muscle structure between active and inactive individuals reveals that older people who regularly engage in endurance exercise exhibit muscle characteristics similar to younger counterparts. Led by Dr. Matthew Stroud, the research utilised advanced 3D microscopy imaging to analyse muscle structure in individuals who do and do not participate in endurance exercise. Findings indicate that regular endurance exercise helps maintain muscle fibre size and the arrangement of muscle fiber nuclei, which control muscle tissue, particularly in older individuals.
In contrast, muscle characteristics were more affected by inactivity than by aging alone. These results suggest that staying active as one ages may preserve muscle size and function, potentially improving independence and quality of life in older adults. The study highlights the potential of endurance exercise as a strategy to mitigate age-related muscle deterioration, though further research is needed to fully understand this relationship.