Muscle strength linked to immune health and bone protection

A large-scale prospective study involving over 458,000 adults from the UK Biobank has identified a significant link between muscle mass and immune function. Researchers followed participants for a median of 12.5 years, tracking the relationship between muscle strength and the risk of serious infections, including respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections, as well as sepsis.

The findings indicate that lower muscle strength correlates with a higher risk of infection. Individuals with probable sarcopenia—the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength—faced an 18% higher risk of infectious diseases compared to those without the condition. For those with confirmed sarcopenia, the risk increased by 34%.

In addition to immune health, muscle engagement plays a critical role in skeletal protection. Utilizing proper posture and muscle tension during physical loading can redistribute weight from the bones to the muscles. This mechanism helps prevent vertebral fractures and reduces the direct load on the skeleton, which is particularly important for individuals managing bone density concerns.