Aging is associated with a decline of mitochondrial and skeletal muscle volume, -quality and -function. If a causal link exists between the loss of mitochondrial function and muscle health is unknown, however, both appear with advancing age and are associated with the loss of functional capacity, which increases comorbidities and annual healthcare costs. The aim is to test the hypothesis that a compromised muscle function in sedentary elderly is related to an impaired mitochondrial health. A detailed characterization of mitochondrial metabolism and muscle function is performed in well-defined, (physically compromised) elderly humans, in a cross-sectional design. To obtain insight in the relation between mitochondrial health and muscle function, not only elderly subjects that differ in mitochondrial function (based on physical activity) will be compared but also elderly subjects with high versus low muscle physical function will be selected. Healthy, young (20-30 years,) individuals with normal physical activity levels will be included as absolute controls.
The aim of this study is to characterize the relation between skeletal muscle mitochondrial metabolism and muscle health in elderly, physically compromised humans. To study this relation, a cross-sectional study will be performed in well-defined, distinct subject groups. Thus, to obtain insight in the relation between mitochondrial health and muscle function, not only subjects that differ in mitochondrial function (based on physical activity) will be compared but also subjects with high- versus low muscle function will be selected.