A "Neuromuscular Look" to sarcopenia: Is it a movement disorder?

Abstract

Decline of physical function is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in sarcopenia and frailty. Physical function tests are performed to show the daily functional tasks. The central nervous system initiates, coordinates and controls muscle movements. Thus, the ability of a muscle to produce force by aging is determined not only by skeletal muscle, but also by neuromotor control systems. Therefore, treatments should contain targeting muscle mass and also neurocognitive functions. In this regard, an example of a rehabilitation program that influences both muscle and brain function is exercise. Accordingly, it is essential that prescribing lifelong exercise is important for healthy and independent aging including the preservation of muscle, physical and cognitive functions. Objective: Impairment of physical function is the main determinant of morbidity/mortality in sarcopenia and frailty. Physical function tests are performed by the movement around the joints, and skeletal muscles are the main generators of the forces required to perform these functional tasks. However, the central nervous system, which initiates and coordinates muscle movements, controls the magnitude and temporal parameters of muscle forces. Methods: Non-systematic literature review was performed about the effects of aging on neuromotor control. Result: The ability of a muscle to produce force by aging is deteriorated not only by muscle structural changes, but also by neuromotor control dysfunction. With aging, changes in muscle structure and loss of volumes in brain structures related with movement and cognition have been shown. Age-related cognitive impairment can have considerable negative effects on the force generating capacity of skeletal muscles. In this sense, the relationship has been found between hand grip strength, gait speed, and cognition. Conclusion: Treatments targeting muscle mass only would be insufficient unless we address the impairment of neurocognitive functions. It is essential that prescribing lifelong exercise is important for heal thy aging including the preservation of muscle mass/strength, physical and cognitive functioning, and independent living.

Associations between C-section and hand grip strength: an observational analysis and genome-wide environmental interaction study

“…Evidence showed that the primary motor cortex (M1) contributes to the control of a power grip of finger muscles during a variety of grasping behaviors 55 . Kara et al demonstrated that neuromotor control dysfunction contributes to the deterioration of the force generating capacity of skeletal muscles 56 . More research is needed to verify this hypothesis.…”

Ultrasonography in Sarcopenic Obesity: “Good Looking” But Wrong Buttoning of the First Button

“…Herein, the neuromuscular system, including the central nervous system, is responsible for the generation of force for muscle functions—that is, handgrip strength and gait speed (the “vital signs” for assessment of the neuromusculoskeletal system). Therefore, these parameters are likely to be related to cognition, as well as muscle mass 4 . Likewise, the authors found low Mini Mental State Examination scores in the sarcopenic group (with low grip strength).…”

Archaeological Treasures of Dolenjski muzej Novo mesto

“…It is desirable that future proposals for health measures will focus on solutions to strengthen the physical capacity of the population, including neurocognitive stimulation (Kara et al, 2020), which can provide an example of long-term physiotherapy support and intergenerational integration through rehabilitation offer to maintain physical fitness and active lifestyle.…”