5 Questions
What is sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia is the involuntary loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, which is a fundamental cause of and contributor to disability in older people.
What is the approximate rate of muscle mass decrease per decade after the age of 30?
Muscle mass decreases approximately 3–8% per decade after the age of 30.
What are some of the changes in the body composition associated with the decrease in muscle mass?
A decrease in muscle mass is accompanied by a progressive increase in fat mass and consequent changes in body composition.
What are some potential implications of the changes in muscle mass and body composition?
The changes have probable implications for several conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
What are some of the accompanying changes to muscle mass decrease?
Bone density decreases, joint stiffness increases, and there is a small reduction in stature (kyphosis).
Study Notes
Sarcopenia
- Sarcopenia is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that occurs with aging.
Muscle Mass Decrease
- After the age of 30, muscle mass decreases at an approximate rate of 1-2% per decade.
Changes in Body Composition
- With the decrease in muscle mass, body composition changes, leading to an increase in body fat percentage.
- Visceral fat, in particular, tends to increase, which can lead to metabolic complications.
Implications of Muscle Mass Decrease
- Decreased muscle mass and strength can lead to impaired mobility, balance, and increased risk of falls.
- Metabolic changes can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Accompanying Changes to Muscle Mass Decrease
- The decrease in muscle mass is often accompanied by a decrease in muscle strength and function.
- There may also be changes in muscle fiber type, with a shift from fast-twitch to slow-twitch fibers, leading to decreased muscle power and endurance.
Prepare for the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level UNIT 5 exam with a quiz based on the scientific article related to the effects of aging on muscle mass and respiration. Test your understanding of respiration, internal environment, coordination, and gene technology with questions related to this pre-release material.
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