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ABSTRACT: Background
Lower ambulatory performance with aging may be related to a reduced oxidative capacity within skeletal muscle. This study examined the associations between skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and efficiency with walking performance in a group of older adults.Methods
Thirty-seven older adults (mean age 78 years; 21 men and 16 women) completed an aerobic capacity (VO2 peak) test and measurement of preferred walking speed over 400 m. Maximal coupled (State 3; St3) mitochondrial respiration was determined by high-resolution respirometry in saponin-permeabilized myofibers obtained from percutanous biopsies of vastus lateralis (n = 22). Maximal phosphorylation capacity (ATPmax) of vastus lateralis was determined in vivo by (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n = 30). Quadriceps contractile volume was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Mitochondrial efficiency (max ATP production/max O2 consumption) was characterized using ATPmax per St3 respiration (ATPmax/St3).Results
In vitro St3 respiration was significantly correlated with in vivo ATPmax (r (2) = .47, p = .004). Total oxidative capacity of the quadriceps (St3*quadriceps contractile volume) was a determinant of VO2 peak (r (2) = .33, p = .006). ATPmax (r (2) = .158, p = .03) and VO2 peak (r (2) = .475, p < .0001) were correlated with preferred walking speed. Inclusion of both ATPmax/St3 and VO2 peak in a multiple linear regression model improved the prediction of preferred walking speed (r (2) = .647, p < .0001), suggesting that mitochondrial efficiency is an important determinant for preferred walking speed.Conclusions
Lower mitochondrial capacity and efficiency were both associated with slower walking speed within a group of older participants with a wide range of function. In addition to aerobic capacity, lower mitochondrial capacity and efficiency likely play roles in slowing gait speed with age.
SUBMITTER: Coen PM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3593613 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Coen Paul M PM Jubrias Sharon A SA Distefano Giovanna G Amati Francesca F Mackey Dawn C DC Glynn Nancy W NW Manini Todd M TM Wohlgemuth Stephanie E SE Leeuwenburgh Christiaan C Cummings Steven R SR Newman Anne B AB Ferrucci Luigi L Toledo Frederico G S FG Shankland Eric E Conley Kevin E KE Goodpaster Bret H BH
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 20121009 4
<h4>Background</h4>Lower ambulatory performance with aging may be related to a reduced oxidative capacity within skeletal muscle. This study examined the associations between skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and efficiency with walking performance in a group of older adults.<h4>Methods</h4>Thirty-seven older adults (mean age 78 years; 21 men and 16 women) completed an aerobic capacity (VO2 peak) test and measurement of preferred walking speed over 400 m. Maximal coupled (State 3; St3) mito ...[more]