Advancing age is not associated with greater exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Article


Fernandes, J.F.T, Wilson, L., Dingley, A.F., Hearn, A.N., Johnson, K.O., Hicks, K.M., Twist, C. and Hayes, L.D. 2025. Advancing age is not associated with greater exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.
TypeArticle
TitleAdvancing age is not associated with greater exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
AuthorsFernandes, J.F.T, Wilson, L., Dingley, A.F., Hearn, A.N., Johnson, K.O., Hicks, K.M., Twist, C. and Hayes, L.D.
Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper was to undertake a PRISMA-accordant meta-analysis comparing exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in older and younger adults. Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed and Sport Discus were searched in June 2023 for the terms “ageing” OR “age” OR “middle-aged” OR “old” OR “older” OR “elderly” OR “masters” OR “veteran” AND “muscle damage” OR “exercise-induced muscle damage” OR “exercise-induced muscle injury” OR “contraction-induced injury” OR “muscle soreness” OR “delayed onset muscle soreness” OR “creatine kinase”. From 1092 originally identified titles, 36 studies were included which had an exercise component comparing a younger against an older group. The outcome variables of EIMD were muscle function, muscle soreness, and creatine kinase (CK). A meta-analysis was conducted on change to EIMD after exercise in older vs younger adults using standardised mean difference (SMD) and an inverse-variance random effects model. Results: Change after 24 and 72 hours, and peak change, in muscle function was not different between old and young (SMD range = -0.16 to -0.35). Muscle soreness was greater in younger than older adults for all comparisons (SMD range= -0.34 to -0.62). CK was greater in younger than older adults at 24 hours (SMD= -0.32), as was peak change (SMD= -0.32). A relationship between sex and peak muscle function change was evident for males (SMD= -0.45), but not females (SMD= -0.44). All other meta-regression were non-significant. Conclusion: Advancing age is not associated with greater symptoms of EIMD. Implications: Older adults can pursue regular physical activity without concern for experiencing greater EIMD.

KeywordsMuscle function; muscle soreness; creatine kinase; eccentric exercise; fatigue; recovery; meta-analysis
Sustainable Development Goals3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
PublisherHuman Kinetics
JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity
ISSN1063-8652
Electronic1543-267X
Publication process dates
Accepted26 Feb 2025
Deposited17 Mar 2025
Output statusAccepted
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
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