Study may have hit the mark on muscle performance decrease with age

A new study revealed why it's harder to get ripped as you get older. Columbia University Medical Center researchers said the calcium channels inside muscle cells start to leak with age, in a way similar to what happens to people with muscular dystrophy or heart failure, weakening the tissue and making it hard to encourage muscle growth.

"The basis for muscle weakness is the same," said Andrew Marks, leader of the research team. He also pointed out marathon runners and others who do some forms of extreme exercise develop similar leaks, which generally heal in a few days.

Calcium is contained in muscle cells, but when it leaks it can cause reactions that damage the cells, releasing harmful enzymes. The researchers are now looking at the potential of drugs intended to treat heart failure, which they think may help reverse the problem and keep muscle mass functional by preventing deterioration.

Previous studies focused more on adding muscle, not on keeping the muscles that were already working. Marks is currently consulting with a company to find ways to improve exercise capacity in individuals with muscular diseases.