Aging affects brain and muscle oxygenation during exercise

Scientific research highlights the critical role of physical exercise as a medical intervention to prevent disease, preserve functional capacity, and maintain autonomy during aging. Experts emphasize that exercise should be prescribed with specific intensity, frequency, and type, noting that aerobic activity alone is insufficient and must be paired with strength training to combat the loss of muscle mass and power that typically begins between ages 30 and 40.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Campinas (Unicamp) and São Paulo State University (Unesp), published in the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, investigated how aging affects oxygen utilization. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), researchers monitored brain and muscle oxygenation in young and elderly active adults during moderate-intensity walking. The findings suggest that aging impacts how the brain and muscles utilize oxygen during physical activity, a discovery that could lead to more personalized and effective exercise prescriptions for different age groups.