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.
Type | Article |
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Title | Advancing age is not associated with greater exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression |
Authors | Fernandes, 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. |
Keywords | Muscle function; muscle soreness; creatine kinase; eccentric exercise; fatigue; recovery; meta-analysis |
Sustainable Development Goals | 3 Good health and well-being |
Middlesex University Theme | Health & Wellbeing |
Publisher | Human Kinetics |
Journal | Journal of Aging and Physical Activity |
ISSN | 1063-8652 |
Electronic | 1543-267X |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 26 Feb 2025 |
Deposited | 17 Mar 2025 |
Output status | Accepted |
Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/211q47
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Accepted author manuscript
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