Walk away from cellular ageing

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 09

Decline in the function and number of mitochondria, the energy producing component of your cells, has been associated with fatigue, disease and unhealthy ageing [1].  Modest physical activity reverses mitochondrial decline and can actually increases their number.

An interventional study of just 4-6 weekly 40 minute sessions of either treadmills, stationary bicycles or outdoor walking found that after 12 weeks elderly subjects had an increase in mitochondrial energy production and number of more than 50% [2].

Lack of physical activity is one of the most important lifestyle factors linked to the development of major chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In fact, the relationship between physical inactivity and health is so profound some experts have coined physical inactivity “sedentary death syndrome [3].”

Increased mitochondrial function and number may be one of the ways physical activity improves health and protects against age related disease [4]. Current recommendations for physical activity are 30 minutes of moderate activity such as brisk walking daily with people who exercise more likely to experience even greater health benefits [5].

References

1. Conley KE, Marcinek DJ, Villarin J. Mitochondrial dysfunction and age. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2007 Nov;10(6):688-92.

2. Menshikova EV, Ritov VB, Fairfull L, Ferrell RE, Kelley DE, Goodpaster BH. Effects of exercise on mitochondrial content and function in aging human skeletal muscle.J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006 Jun;61(6):534-40.

3. Lees SJ, Booth FW.  Sedentary death syndrome. Can J Appl Physiol. 2004 Aug;29(4):447-60

4. Toledo FG et al. Effects of physical activity and weight loss on skeletal muscle mitochondria and relationship with glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes. 2007 Aug;56(8):2142-7.

5. Blair SN, LaMonte MJ, Nichaman MZ. The evolution of physical activity recommendations: how much is enough? Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 May;79(5):913S-920S