Age related changes in muscle aerobic fitness

Anti-aging

Daily activities of men and specifically of older men are rather characterised by tasks of longer duration but of lower intensity, performed aerobically. Maximal aerobic capacity, or otherwise our aerobic fitness, shows the capacity of the exercising muscle to extract and use oxygen.

Both, our training status and our genetic predisposition determine our aerobic fitness performance. Aerobic fitness in turn, greatly influences our physical function and our ability to live an independent life. Therefore as higher our aerobic fitness, as easier we could perform different aerobic tasks before we become tired and start huffing and puffing.

Aging

is associated with a decline of our exercise fitness. This decrease in exercise fitness occurs to everyone and progresses relentlessly. Our inability to keep up the intensity and duration of our physical activity habits as we age, explains the decline in our exercise fitness.

Interestingly, it has been shown that the absolute decrease of aerobic fitness is much higher in highly trained subjects than in their sedentary peers.  Thus, even genetically gifted men cannot keep up with their exercising habits and slow down. This slow down with aging is a recognizable feature over a wide range of species, animals and humans.

Although aerobic exercise may improve our aerobic fitness, it remains an inadequate approach. Consequently, anti-aging therapies which could l deal with the inevitable decline of our physical function as we get older is of high importance.

Growth hormone & Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Therefore, the improvement of aerobic capacity by more than 20% after hormone replacement therapy in men is of great clinical significance and proves its role as an anti-aging therapy.

As a result they will be able to perform tasks of higher intensities and longer duration with greater comfort. Consequently, growth hormone and testosterone replacement therapy in men who are severe hormone deficient, may indeed improve their physical function and quality of life.