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Review
. 2025 Aug;15(4):e70030.
doi: 10.1002/cph4.70030.

Mechanisms of Exercise in Improving Sarcopenia

Mengzhu Su  1   2 , Yingchun Shao  3 , Qun Fang  2 , Yansong Li  2 , Fanghui Qiu  2 , Tongtong Che  2 , Shuangshuang Zhang  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Mechanisms of Exercise in Improving Sarcopenia

Mengzhu Su et al. Compr Physiol. 2025 Aug.

Abstract

The global aging population is driving age-related diseases to become a significant public health challenge. Sarcopenia, an age-related condition marked by muscle mass loss, reduced muscle strength, and/or diminished physical function, contributes to a higher incidence of falls, fractures, hospitalizations, and mortality among affected individuals. Exercise is widely recognized as an affordable and sustainable approach to preventing and managing sarcopenia. This review explores the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, examines how various exercise modalities influence its underlying mechanisms, and elucidates the molecular pathways through which exercise mitigates the condition. By providing a thorough overview, this review aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia, ultimately supporting efforts to reduce the burden on global healthcare systems and address the challenges of an aging population.

Keywords: autophagy; exercise; mitochondrial function; sarcopenia; satellite cells.

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