Muscle Wasting, Aging, and Cancer: The Effects of Physical Exercise

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 November 2025 | Viewed by 644

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: skeletal muscle; atrophy; cancer; exercise; pharmacology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the intricate relationship between muscle wasting, aging, and cancer, emphasizing the potential benefits of physical exercise as an intervention. Muscle wasting, or sarcopenia, is a common and debilitating condition in the elderly and cancer patients, characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength. This Special Issue will cover the mechanisms behind sarcopenia, the role of inflammation and metabolic changes in cancer-induced muscle loss, and the activation of satellite cells through exercise. Contributions will focus on how different types of physical activity/exercise, particularly resistance training, can slow or reverse muscle deterioration, enhance physical function, and improve quality of life. By bringing together current research and clinical studies, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how exercise can be strategically utilized to combat muscle wasting in aging and cancer populations.

Prof. Dr. Paula Tavares
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sarcopenia
  • aging
  • cancer
  • muscle wasting
  • physical exercise
  • resistance training
  • satellite cells
  • inflammation
  • metabolic health
  • quality of life

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

25 pages, 5368 KiB  
Article
A Prospective Controlled Study on the Longitudinal Effects of Rehabilitation in Older Women with Primary Sarcopenia
by Bianca Maria Vladutu, Daniela Matei, Anca Maria Amzolini, Constantin Kamal and Magdalena Rodica Traistaru
Life 2025, 15(4), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040609 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Sarcopenia, defined as a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, is a leading contributor to disability, dependence, and reduced quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a personalized six-month rehabilitation program, centered [...] Read more.
Sarcopenia, defined as a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, is a leading contributor to disability, dependence, and reduced quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a personalized six-month rehabilitation program, centered on tailored kinetic therapy, on physical performance and HRQoL in older women with primary sarcopenia. Methods: This prospective controlled study included 80 women aged ≥65 years, allocated into a Study Group (SG, n = 40), who followed a supervised personalized kinetic program, and a control group (CG, n = 40), who received general advice regarding physical activity and nutrition. Physical performance was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB), while HRQoL was assessed with the disease-specific SarQoL questionnaire. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and after six months. Results: At baseline, both groups had comparable scores (SPPB: SG = 5.75 ± 0.86 vs. CG = 5.8 ± 0.88, p = 0.798; SarQoL: SG = 54.42 ± 8.76 vs. CG = 55.59 ± 4.61, p = 0.457). After six months, the SG showed significant improvements (SPPB = 8.05 ± 0.90, p < 0.001; SarQoL = 62.55 ± 7.00, p < 0.001). Significant gains were observed in domains related to physical and mental health, locomotion, functionality, and leisure activities (p < 0.05). In contrast, the CG showed only minor, non-significant changes (SPPB = 6.17 ± 0.78; SarQoL = 56.51 ± 5.51). Conclusions: A structured, personalized kinetic program significantly improves physical performance and HRQoL in older women with primary sarcopenia. These results support the need for individualized, supervised rehabilitation programs in optimizing functional recovery and enhancing patient-centered outcomes in sarcopenia management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Wasting, Aging, and Cancer: The Effects of Physical Exercise)
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