Strengthening Resistance Could Foster Healthy Nerves, Possibly Delay Aging
A groundbreaking study, led by a research group at Fairmont State University and Illinois State University, has uncovered promising findings regarding the impact of handgrip training on age-related nerve deterioration. The research, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, was conducted by Shawn Reese (Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Fairmont State University), JoCarol Shields (Postdoctoral Researcher), Jason DeFreitas (Chair of the Department of Exercise Science and Professor in the Department of Exercise Science at Falk College), Claire Smith, Marcel dos Santos, and Maria Parodi.
The study, involving 48 subjects ranging from 18 to 84 years old, aimed to investigate the role of exercise interventions in reducing age-related nerve damage and the potential for reactivating fast neurons in older individuals. The research team used nerve conduction tests to measure nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in the forearm and maximal strength before and after four weeks of handgrip training.
The tests stimulated nerves in the muscles of the forearm and measured muscle activation speed. The study found that simple resistance training may help counteract age-related nerve deterioration, with the training reactivating the fast neurons in the older participants, a process called reinnervation.
Fast motor neurons are the first to deteriorate with age, disconnect from muscle, and become inactive. The reactivation of these fast neurons may help preserve strength and avoid disability with aging, potentially having long-term implications for nerve health, motor function, independence, and quality of life.
The research group plans to conduct further studies to determine the role that exercise interventions play in mitigating age-related nerve deterioration and if the reactivation of fast neurons translates to other parts of the body. The project was funded in part by a doctoral research grant awarded through the Central States Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.
This study underscores the importance of regular exercise and resistance training for maintaining nerve health as we age. As further research is conducted, we may uncover more about the potential benefits of handgrip training and other exercise interventions for preserving strength, independence, and quality of life in older adults.
