Physiological and functional evaluation of healthy young and older men and women: design of the European MyoAge study

Abstract

. 2013. Physiological and functional evaluation of healthy young and older men and women: design of the European MyoAge study. Biogerontology (Dordrecht), 14,(325)(326)(327)(328)(329)(330)(331)(332)(333)(334)(335)(336)(337) Dette er siste tekst-versjon av artikkelen, og den kan inneholde små forskjeller fra forlagets pdf-versjon. Forlagets pdf-versjon finner du på springer.link.com: http://dx.doi.org/10. 1007/s10522-013-9434-7 This is the final text version of the article, and it may contain minor differences from the journal's pdf version. ¥ Made an equal contribution to study conception, development of standard operating procedures and study management. KEY WORDSAgeing, skeletal muscle, mobility, sarcopenia, MyoAge 2 ABSTRACTWithin the European multi-centre MYOAGE project, one workpackage was designed to investigate the contribution of age-related changes to muscle mass, contractile characteristics and neural control in relation to reductions in mobility in older age. The methodology has been described here. Test centres were located in Manchester, UK; Paris, France; Leiden, The Netherlands; Tartu, Estonia and Jyväskylä, Finland. In total, 182 young (18-30 years old, 52.2% female) and 322 older adults (69-81 years old, 50% female) have been examined. The participants were independent living, socially active and free from disease that impaired mobility levels. The older participants were selected based on physical activity levels, such that half exceeded current recommended physical activity levels and the other half had lower physical activity levels than is recommended to maintain health. Measurements consisted of blood pressure; anthropometry and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging); lung function; standing balance and cognitive function (CANTAB). Mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go, a 6-min walk, activity questionnaires and accelerometers to monitor habitual daily activities. Muscle strength, power, fatigue and neural activation were assessed using a combination of voluntary and electrically stimulated contractions. Fasting blood samples and skeletal muscle biopsies were collected for detailed examination of cell and molecular differences between young and older individuals. The results from this study will provide a detailed insight into "normal, healthy" ageing, linking whole-body function to the structure and function of the neuromuscular system and the molecular characteristics of skeletal muscle.3

Associations between muscle strength, spirometric pulmonary function and mobility in healthy older adults

“…Similar strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were used in all laboratories, and all measurements were performed according to detailed standard operation procedures, described in detail elsewhere (McPhee et al 2013). The study population included a group of socially active and relatively healthy participants which minimizes the influence of diseases and cognitive impairment on relationships between muscle strength, spirometric pulmonary function and mobility.…”

“…Study rationale and design have been described in detail elsewhere (McPhee et al 2013). Participants were recruited and data collected according to the same standard operational procedures in the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and in the Institute of Myology, Paris, France.…”

Serum albumin and muscle measures in a cohort of healthy young and old participants

“…Young and old participants were initially included to study age-related differences in muscle quality, contractile characteristics, and neural control (McPhee et al 2013). Participants were recruited in the Netherlands (Leiden), Finland (Jyvaskyla), France (Paris), Estonia (Tartu), and the UK (Manchester) and were recruited via advertisement in newspapers, at universities, and at associations of emeriti to make sure that they were cognitively active (McPhee et al 2013). Analyses were performed on 443 participants who had data available on serum albumin levels.…”

“…In short, exclusion criteria included a dependent living status, the inability to walk a distance of 250 m, morbidity (neurologic disorders, metabolic diseases, rheumatic diseases, recent malignancy, heart failure, severe obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coagulation disorders), immobilization for 1 week during the last 3 months, the use of specific medication (insulin, immunosuppressive drugs), and orthopedic surgery during the last 2 years or still causing pain or functional limitation. Those who participated in athletic events were also excluded (McPhee et al 2013). …”

The prevalence of malnutrition according to the new ESPEN definition in four diverse populations

“…Individuals in the MYOAGE study were recruited from five different sites across Europe, including Manchester, UK; Paris, France; Leiden, the Netherlands; Jyv€ askyl€ a, Finland and Tartu, Estonia. Data was collected between 2010 and 2013 [6].…”